1

Malayan Law Journal Reports/1985/Volume 1/JB JEYARETNAM MLJ ))* & 28 No em+er 198*

!"# $#"% T"N! & '1985( 1

8 pa,es '1985] 1 MLJ 334

JB JEYARETNAM v GOH CHOK TONG

Also Reporte- .n/ '198*&1985( 0LR 511 OCJ SINGAPORE THEAN J SUIT NO 4474 OF 1981 28 N v!"#!$ 1984 Defamation -- Slander -- Words published by defendant at press conference -- Whether defamatory of plaintiff Fair comment -- Qualified privilege -- Damages and injunction -Defamation Act (Cap !"# s $ T2e pla.nt.334 t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 6or7ers8 9arty .n 0.n,apore4 was .n .te- as t2e only ,uest spea7er on 0eptem+er 214 1981 at t2e .nau,urat.on o3 t2e 0.n,apore :emo5rat.5 9arty; A3ter 2.s spee52 2e le3t t2e meet.n, an- at t2at t.me or .mme-.ately 3ollow.n, 2.s -eparture a lar,e se5t.on o3 t2e au-.en5e also le3t; T2e 9arl.amentary +y&ele5t.on 3or t2e 5onst.tuen5y o3 Anson was to +e 2el- on "5to+er )14 1981; T2e -e3en-ant4 t2e M.n.ster 3or :e3en5e an- se5onM.n.ster 3or #ealt2 .n t2e 0.n,apore !o ernment4 was t2e 3.rst or,an.<.n, se5retary o3 t2e 9eoples8 A5t.on 9arty an- was t2ere3ore most 5on5erne- at se5ur.n, t2e return o3 t2e 9A98s 5an-.-ate at t2e +y&ele5t.on; "n "5to+er 214 1981 t2e -e3en-ant 2el- a press 5on3eren5e at w2.52 representat. es o3 t2e me-.a were present; #e sa.-/
=0:9 2a- t2e.r .nau,ural (sic" earl.er t2.s mont2; Mr; Jeyaretnam atten-e-; A3ter Mr; Jeyaretnam 2aspo7en4 2e le3t t2e 2all4 an- w2en 2e le3t t2e 2all 2>> part.5.pants le3t w.t2 2.m; ? +el.e e t2e e@o-us was en,.neere-; ? -on8t t2.n7 .t was a spontaneous e@o-us; ?3 .t was4 .t -.- not spea7 well 3or t2e 0:9; ?t s2ows t2at t2e 5row-4 t2e l.m.te- 5row- st.ll loo7 towar-s Mr; Jeyaretnam4 3or t2e t.me +e.n,4 as a lea-er o3 t2e oppos.t.on; But ? am .n5l.ne- to +el.e e t2at t2e e@o-us was 5ontr. e- +y t2e lea-er o3 t2e 6or7ers8 9arty to s2ow w2o .s +oss at t2.s sta,e; An- surely Mr; $2.am 5annot ta7e t2at tr.57 l.,2tly;=

T2e pla.nt.33 5ompla.ne- t2at t2ese wor-s were -e3amatory o3 2.m an- 2e sue- t2e -e3en-ant 5la.m.n, -ama,es an- an .nAun5t.on; T2e pla.nt.33 also rel.e- on se5t.on 5 o3 t2e :e3amat.on A5t4 5la.m.n, t2at t2e wor-s were 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e 2.m .n 2.s o33.5e as lea-er o3 a pol.t.5al party an- .n asp.r.n, to +e a Mem+er o3 9arl.ament; T2e -e3en-ant -en.e- t2at t2e wor-s .n t2e.r natural an- or-.nary mean.n, were 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e t2e pla.nt.33 .n 2.s o33.5e as t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 6or7ers8 9arty; T2e -e3en-ant also ra.se- t2e -e3en5es o3 3a.r 5omment an- Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e; H!%&/ -.sm.ss.n, t2e 5la.m/

1i)

1ii) 1iii)

t2e wor-s spo7en +y t2e -e3en-ant were 5apa+le o3 a -e3amatory mean.n, anwere -e3amatory o3 t2e pla.nt.33; T2e wor-s .mpute- to t2e pla.nt.33 -.s2onoura+le or -.s5re-.ta+le 5on-u5t or mot. e or a la57 o3 .nte,r.ty an- su52 an .mputat.on was -e3amatory o3 t2e pla.nt.33; #owe er4 t2e wor-s t2ou,2 -e3amatory o3 t2e pla.nt.33 were not 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e 2.m .n 2.s o33.5e as t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 6or7ers8 9arty; T2ey -.- not .pute any want o3 .nte,r.ty or 5orrupt or -.s2onest 5on-u5t or any ot2er m.s5on-u5t .n t2e -.s52ar,e o3 t2at o33.5e; "n t2.s .ssue t2e pla.nt.33 3a.le-C t2e -e3en-ant 2a- su55ee-e- .n esta+l.s2.n, t2e 3our elements ne5essary to 3.n- 2.s -e3en5e o3 3a.r 5ommentC t2e pla.nt.33 2as 3a.le- to -.s52ar,e 2.s +ur-en o3 pro .n, t2at t2e -e3en-ant was a5tuate- +y mal.5e w2en 2e uttere- t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3; T2e a5t.on was a55or-.n,ly -.sm.sse- w.t2 5osts;

C'(!( $!)!$$!& * %ones v S&elton '191)( ) All ER 952 958 Sim v Stretch '19)1( 2 All ER 12)D 12*> Chalmers v 'ayne 15> ER 1D 18 (obinson v Ward E1958F 1>8 LJ *91 )emsley v Foot '1952( A$ )*5 )584 )1>&)11 *erivale v Carson E1888F LR 2> GB: 2D5 28>4 281 Sil&in v +eaverbroo& ,e-spapers .td '1958( 2 All ER 511 52> Stuart v +ell '1891( 2 GB )*1 /abditch v *ac0l-aine '189*( 2 GB 5* /orroc&s v .o-e '19D5( A$ 1)5 15> CI+IL SUIT

9la.nt.33 .n person; % 1rimberg 3or t2e -e3en-ant; THEAN J "n 0eptem+er 214 1981 t2e 0.n,apore :emo5rat.5 9arty E=0:9=F4 a re,.stere- pol.t.5al party .n 0.n,apore4 2el- .ts .nau,urat.on at t2e 0.n,apore $on3eren5e #all au-.tor.um start.n, at 1;)> p;m; To t2.s .nau,urat.on was .n .te- t2e 9la.nt.33 w2o was at t2at t.me4 an- st.ll .s4 t2e se5retary& ,eneral o3 t2e 6or7ers8 9arty E=69=F4 anot2er re,.stere- pol.t.5al party .n 0.n,apore;At t2e t.me w2en t2e 9la.nt.33 was .n .te- 2e .nt.mate- to $2.am 0ee Ton,4 se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 0:94 t2at 2e Et2e 9la.nt.33F 2a- a -.nner en,a,ement on t2e same e en.n, as t2e .nau,urat.on an- woult2ere3ore 2a e to lea e a3ter 2.s spee524 an- t2.s was a55epta+le to t2e 0:9; T2e 9la.nt.33 an- t2e 52a.rman o3 t2e 694 6on, #on, Toy4 atten-e- t2e 0:98s .nau,urat.on4 anas a ,uest spea7er t2e 9la.nt.33 too7 2.s seat at t2e rostrum .n t2e 5ompany o3 t2e lea-ers o3 t2e 0:94 w2.lst 2.s 52a.rman sat w.t2 t2e au-.en5e; T2e 9la.nt.33 was t2e 3.rst ma.n spea7er a3ter

* wor-s o3 wel5ome 3rom t2e lea-ers o3 t2e 0:94 a-opt.on o3 t2e 0:98s 5onst.tut.on an- t2e swear.n,&.n 5eremony o3 t2e o33.5e +earers o3 t2e 0:9; T2e 9la.nt.33 was t2e only ,uest spea7er an- was t2e most popular man t2at e en.n,C 2e re5e. e- roun-s o3 applause e en +e3ore 2e spo7e an- 2e ma-e a 3a.rly 234$ 2 *.% 5 at $ lon, spee52; A3ter 2.s spee52 2e le3t t2e meet.n, an- at t2at t.me or .mme-.ately 3ollow.n, 2.s -eparture a lar,e se5t.on o3 t2e au-.en5e also le3t; ?n 3a5t4 3rom t2at t.me onwar-s4 people +e,an to tr.57le out o3 t2e 2all4 presuma+ly +e5ause t2e meet.n, was Bu.te prolon,e-C .t -.- not really 5on5lu-e unt.l 1>;)> p;m; or t2erea+out; "n t2e 3ollow.n, -ay t2e popular.ty o3 t2e 9la.nt.33 at t2e 0:98s .nau,urat.on was reporte- .n t2e +usiness 6imes as 3ollows/
=?3 applause were 5ons.-ere- a ,oo- measure o3 popular support4 Mr; J;B; Jeyaretnam4 se5retary& ,eneral o3 t2e 6or7ers8 9arty4 was -e3.n.tely t2e most popular person at t2e $on3eren5e #all last n.,2t; ?ron.5ally4 t2e o55as.on was t2e .nau,urat.on o3 t2e 0.n,apore :emo5rat.5 9arty; Mr Jeyaratnam4 t2e ,uest spea7er re5e. e- 3our roun-s o3 lou- 2an- 5laps && +e3ore 2e uttere- 2.s 3.rst wor-s && as 2e was .ntro-u5e-; 0e eral o3 t2e some )>>&stron, au-.en5e e en wal7e- out a3ter 2.s spee52 ;;;=

"n )"5to+er 1*4 1981 a wr.t was .ssue- 3or a 9arl.amentary +y&ele5t.on 3or t2e 5onst.tuen5y o3 Anson4 an- t2e nom.nat.on -ay 3or 5an-.-ates 3or t2e +y&ele5t.on was 3.@e- 3or "5to+er 214 1981 an- t2e +y&ele5t.on was to +e 2el- on "5to+er )14 1981; "n "5to+er 2>4 19814 on t2e e e o3 t2e nom.nat.on -ay4 t2e 3ollow.n, report appeare- .n t2e t2en a3ternoon newspaper4 ,e- ,ation un-er t2e 2ea-.n,4 =$2.am4 Jeya 7eep mum=/
=To-ay .s t2e e e o3 Nom.nat.on :ay 3or t2e Anson +y&ele5t.on +ut t2e 6or7ers8 9arty an- t2e 0.n,apore :emo5rat.5 9arty are st.ll 7eep.n, mum; Mr; J;B; Jeyaretnam4 se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 6or7ers8 9arty4 sa.- party mem+ers w.ll meet to-ay +ut -e5l.ne- to ela+orate; Mr;$2.am 0ee Ton,4 se5retary&,eneral o3 0:94 sa.- last wee7 t2at 2.s party 52a.rman4 Mr; Ho7 Ta. Loy4 .s a l.7ely 5an-.-ate 3or t2e +y&ele5t.ons; But t2.s morn.n,4 2e woul- not 5on3.rm t2.s; #owe er4 2e ma.nta.ne- t2at t2e party w.ll +e 5ontest.n,; T2e In.te- 9eople8s Hront se5retary&,eneral4 Mr #ar+ans 0.n,24 2as sa.- t2at 2e w.ll +e 5ontest.n,; T2e 9A9 2as name- Mr 9an, %.m #.n as .ts 5an-.-ate 3or t2e +y&ele5t.on on "5to+er )1;=

"n t2e nom.nat.on -ay4 t2e 9eople8s A5t.on 9arty E=9A9=F nom.nate- 9an, %.m #.n4 as t2e.r 5an-.-ate an- t2e 69 nom.nate- t2e 9la.nt.33 as t2e.r 5an-.-ate 3or t2e +y&ele5t.on; T2e 0:9 on see.n, t2at t2e 9la.nt.33 was nom.nate- -.- not 3.el- a 5an-.-ate to 5ontest t2e +y&ele5t.on; T2e :e3en-ant .s t2e M.n.ster 3or :e3en5e an- 0e5on- M.n.ster 3or #ealt2 .n t2e !o ernment; #e was appo.nte- t2e 3.rst or,an.s.n, se5retary o3 t2e 9A9 on Apr.l 1D4 19D9 an- 2as 5ont.nue- to 2ol- t2at post; As su52 2e was respons.+le 3or4 inter alia4 t2e party8s ele5t.on a5t. .t.es; #e was t2ere3ore most 5on5erne- at se5ur.n, t2e return o3 t2e 9A98s 5an-.-ate at t2e +y&ele5t.on; "n "5to+er 214 1981 2e 2el- a press 5on3eren5e at Bla.r 9la.n at w2.52 representat. es o3 t2e me-.a4 su52 as t2e press an- 0.n,apore Broa-5ast.n, $orporat.on4 were present; At t2at 5on3eren5e t2e :e3en-ant spo7e4 amon, ot2er t2.n,s4 t2e 3ollow.n, wor-s/
=0:9 2a- t2e.r .nau,ural E sicF earl.er t2.s mont2; Mr; Jeyaretnam atten-e-; A3ter Mr; Jeyaretnam 2aspo7en4 2e le3t t2e 2all4 an- w2en 2e le3t t2e 2all 2>> part.5.pants le3t w.t2 2.m; ? +el.e e t2e e@o-us was en,.neere-; ? -on8t t2.n7 .t was a spontaneous e@o-us; ?3 .t was4 .t -.- not spea7 well 3or t2e 0:9; ?t s2ows t2at t2e 5row-4 t2e l.m.te- 5row- st.ll loo7 towar-s Mr Jeyaretnam4 3or t2e t.me +e.n,4 as a lea-er o3 t2e oppos.t.on; But ? am .n5l.ne- to +el.e e t2at t2e e@o-us was 5ontr. e- +y t2e lea-er o3 t2e 6or7ers 9arty to s2ow w2o .s +oss at t2.s sta,e; An- surely Mr; $2.am 5annot ta7e t2at tr.57 l.,2tly;=

T2ese are t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 +y t2e 9la.nt.33 as -e3amatory o3 2.m an- t2e present pro5ee-.n,s were .n.t.ate- +y t2e 9la.nt.33 a,a.nst t2e :e3en-ant 5la.m.n, -ama,es an.nAun5t.on; T2e 9la.nt.33 5la.ms t2at t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 .n t2e.r natural an- or-.nary mean.n, were -e3amatory o3 2.m/ t2ey meant an- were un-erstoo- to mean t2at t2e =9la.nt.33 was an opportun.st4 a man o3 +ase an- -.s2onoura+le mot. es4 see7.n, only to promote 2.msel34 to ,a.n power 3or 2.msel34 an- 2a- s2own +y 2.s 5on-u5t t2at 2e was not ,enu.nely s.n5ere .n +u.l-.n, up a 5re-.+le an- 5onstru5t. e oppos.t.on .n 9arl.ament +ut out solely to see7 2.s own ,lory an- was a55or-.n,ly un3.t to 2ol- t2e o33.5e o3 a Mem+er o3 9arl.ament;= #e 3urt2er 5la.ms t2at t2e wor-s were 5al5ulate- to .nAure 2.m .n 2.s o33.5e as lea-er o3 a pol.t.5al party an- .n asp.r.n, to +e a Mem+er o3 9arl.ament; By t2.s 3urt2er plea t2e 9la.nt.33 .s .n e33e5t .n o7.n, se5t.on 5 o3 t2e :e3amat.on A5t E$ap; )2F4 to w2.52 ? s2all re ert later; T2e :e3en-ant -en.es t2at t2e sa.- wor-s .n t2e.r natural an- or-.nary mean.n, were -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33 as alle,e- or at all an- t2at t2ey were 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e t2e 9la.nt.33 .n 2.s o33.5e as t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 6;9; T2e :e3en-ant 3urt2er ra.ses two ot2er -e3en5es4 namely/ 3.rst4 t2e sa.- wor-s were 3a.r 5omment spo7en w.t2out mal.5e upon a matter o3 pu+l.5 .nterest4 namely4 t2e 5on-u5t o3 lea-ers o3 t2e oppos.t.on part.es4 .n5lu-.n, t2e 9la.nt.334 an- t2e 5on-u5t o3 mem+ers o3 t2e pu+l.5 pr.or to t2e 9arl.amentary +y&ele5t.on4 an- se5on-ly4 t2e o55as.on 234$ 2 *.% 5 at 7 .n w2.52 t2e sa.- wor-s were uttere- was one o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e; T2e 9la.nt.33 Ao.ns .ssue w.t2 t2e :e3en-ant on t2e latter8s -e3en5es an- alle,es t2at t2e :e3en-ant was a5tuate- +y mal.5e w2en 2e sa.- t2ose wor-s; T2ere are t2ere3ore 5 .ssues +e3ore me/

2i) 2ii) 2iii) 1iv) 1v)

62et2er t2e wor-s .n t2e.r natural an- or-.nary mean.n, were -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33C ?3 t2ey were4 w2et2er t2ey were 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e 2.m .n 2.s o33.5e as t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 69 an- 2en5e are a5t.ona+le w.t2out proo3 o3 spe5.al -ama,e un-er se5t.on 5 o3 t2e :e3amat.on A5t E$ap; )2FC 62et2er t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 were 3a.r 5omment on a matter o3 pu+l.5 .nterestC 62et2er t2e o55as.on .n w2.52 t2e wor-s were spo7en was one o3 Bual.3.epr. .le,e4 an62et2er t2e :e3en-ant was a5tuate- +y any mal.5e .n utter.n, t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3;

T2e 3.rst .ssue .s one purely o3 5onstru5t.on o3 t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o34 an- t2e approa52 to su52 a 5onstru5t.on .s to 5ons.-er t2e mean.n, su52 wor-s woul- 5on ey to or-.nary reasona+le persons us.n, t2e.r ,eneral 7nowle-,e an- 5ommon senseC .t .s not 5on3.ne- to str.5t l.teral mean.n, o3 t2e wor-s +ut e@ten- to any re3eren5e or .mpl.5at.on 3rom w2.52 persons 5an reasona+ly -raw; As sa.- +y Lor- Morr.s .n %ones v S&elton '191)( ) All ER 952 958at p 958/
=T2e or-.nary an- natural mean.n, o3 wor-s may +e e.t2er t2e l.teral mean.n, or .t may +e an .mpl.e- or .n3erre- or an .n-.re5t mean.n,/ any mean.n, t2at -oes not reBu.re t2e support o3 e@tr.ns.5 3a5ts pass.n, +eyon- ,eneral 7nowle-,e +ut .s a mean.n, w2.52 .s 5apa+le o3 +e.n, -ete5te- .n t2e lan,ua,e use5an +e a part o3 t2e or-.nary an- natural mean.n, o3 wor-s Esee.e-is v Daily 6elegraph .td '191)( 2 All ER 151F; T2e or-.nary an- natural mean.n, may t2ere3ore .n5lu-e any .mpl.5at.on or .n3eren5e w2.52 a reasona+le rea-er4 ,u.-e- not +y any spe5.al +ut only +y ,eneral 7nowle-,e an- not 3ettere- +y any str.5t le,al rules( o3 5onstru5t.on4 woul- -raw 3rom t2e wor-s; T2e test o3 reasona+leness ,u.-es an-.re5ts t2e 5ourt .n .ts 3un5t.on o3 -e5.-.n, w2et2er .t .s open to a Aury .n any part.5ular 5ase to 2ol- t2at reasona+le persons woul- un-erstan- t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 .n a -e3amatory sense;=

To,et2er w.t2 t2e as5erta.nment o3 t2e natural an- or-.nary mean.n, o3 t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 to +e 5ons.-ere- .s t2e Buest.on w2et2er t2ey were -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33; T2e test 2ere .s w2et2er t2e wor-s were 5al5ulate- to e@pose 2.m to 2atre-4 r.-.5ule or 5ontempt .n t2e m.n- o3 a reasona+le man or woul- =ten- to lower t2e pla.nt.33 .n t2e est.mat.on o3 r.,2t&t2.n7.n, mem+ers o3

1 so5.ety ,enerally= per .ord At&in in Sim v Stretch '19)1( 2 All ER 12)D4 12*>; T2e 5ru5.al po.nt .n t2.s .ssue .s t2.s/ -.- t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 .n t2e.r natural an- or-.nary mean.n, .mpute to t2e 9la.nt.33 any -.s2onoura+le or -.s5re-.ta+le 5on-u5t or mot. es or a la57 o3 .nte,r.ty on 2.s partJ ?3 t2ey -.-4 t2en .nes5apa+ly t2ey were -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33; ?t seems to me t2at .n 5ons.-er.n, t2.s .ssue one must +ear .n m.n- t2e 3ollow.n, sal.ent 3a5ts; H.rst4 t2e e ent to w2.52 t2e wor-s ma-e re3eren5e was t2e .nau,urat.on o3 t2e 0:9 && un-ou+te-ly a ,reat an- .mportant e ent to t2e 0:9; 0e5on-ly4 at t2e .nau,urat.on t2e 9la.nt.33 .n 2.s pos.t.on as t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 69 was a55or-e- an unusually 2.,2 2onour .n +e.n, .n .te- to spea7; #e was t2e only ,uest spea7er an- t2e 3.rst ma.n spea7er ta7.n, pre5e-en5e o er t2e spee52es o3 all t2e lea-ers o3 t2e 0:9; Hrom t2e reports an- a55or-.n, to representat. es o3 t2e press me-.a4 w2o were present at t2e meet.n,4 t2e 9la.nt.33 was t2e most popular man t2at e en.n, re5e. .n, roun-s an- roun-s o3 applause e en +e3ore 2e spo7e an- -ur.n, 2.s spee52; Lastly4 t2ou,2 mu52 2as +een sou,2t to +e ma-e out +y t2e :e3en-ant an- 2.s $ounsel t2at t2e 69 an- 0:9 were r. al pol.t.5al part.es4 w2.52 was not +orne out +y e .-en5e4 at t2e mater.al t.me at any rate t2e relat.ons +etween t2e two pol.t.5al part.es were 3r.en-ly;?n t2ose 5.r5umstan5es t2e wor-s4 .n my op.n.on4 were 5apa+le o3 a -e3amatory mean.n, an- were -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33; T2e st.n, lay .n t2e su,,est.on or .mpl.5at.on t2at t2e 9la.nt.33 too7 a- anta,e o3 a ,esture o3 ,oo-w.ll 3rom t2e 0:9 && a party w.t2 w2.52 t2e 69 2a- ,oo- relat.ons && on t2e o55as.on o3 t2e 0:98s .nau,urat.on 3or a purely sel3.s2 an- sel3&ser .n, purpose an- en,.neere- or 5ontr. e- an e@o-us o3 a lar,e se5t.on o3 t2e au-.en5e at t2e .nau,urat.on so as to proAe5t 2.msel3 as t2e=+oss= anlea-er o3 t2e oppos.t.on part.es to t2e party .n power; T2e wor-s .mpute- to t2e 9la.nt.33 -.s2onoura+le or -.s5re-.ta+le 5on-u5t or mot. e or a la57 o3 .nte,r.ty an- su52 an .mputat.on .n my op.n.on was -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33; Mr; !r.m+er, on +e2al3 o3 t2e :e3en-ant ar,ue-4 3.rst4 t2at t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 must +e loo7e- at .n t2e w2ole 5onte@t .n w2.52 t2ey were spo7en/ =t2e +ane an- ant.-ote must +e ta7en to,et2er= per Alderson + in Chalmers v 'ayne 15> ER 1D4 18; 0e5on-ly4 t2ese wor-s were spo7en o3 t2e 9la.nt.33 as a pol.t.5.an at a 5ampa.,n 3or a 9arl.amentary +y&ele5t.on an- were part o3 an attempt +y t2e :e3en-ant 234$ 2 *.% 5 at 8 to analyse t2e manoeu r.n, o3 t2e two pol.t.5al part.es .n oppos.t.on4 namely4 t2e 69 an- t2e 0:9; V.ewe- .n t2at 5onte@t an- .n t2ose 5.r5umstan5es t2e wor-s4 2e sa.-4 5oul- not +e -e3amatory; ? a,ree t2at t2e wor-s must +e 5ons.-ere- .n t2e 5onte@t o3 t2e w2ole spee52 ma-e +y t2e :e3en-ant an- .n t2ose 5.r5umstan5es; But ? -o not a,ree t2at 5ons.-ere- .n t2e 5onte@t an- .n t2ose 5.r5umstan5es t2ey were not -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33; ?n-ee-4 t2ere .s not2.n, .n t2e 5onte@tual mater.al o3 t2e :e3en-ant8s spee52 or t2e 5.r5umstan5es .n w2.52 t2e wor-s were spo7en w2.52 5oul- el.m.nate or amel.orate t2e asper.t.es o3 t2e st.n,; Mr; !r.m+er, ne@t ar,uet2at t2e toleran5e le el o3 r.,2t&t2.n7.n, persons at ele5t.on t.me rose an- a remar7 w2.52 m.,2t +e -e3amatory passe- =as a 5ommon 5o.n at ele5t.on t.me4= an- 3urt2er t2at t2e wor-s were spo7en to representat. es o3 t2e press me-.a an- t2e.r esteem o3 a pol.t.5.an woul- not +e l.7ely to +e re-u5e- =+y a purely pol.t.5al -.,= at ele5t.on t.me; ?n my .ew4 ne.t2er o3 t2ese ar,uments .s su33.5.ently 5o,ent; H.rst4 t2e mean.n, o3 t2e wor-s .n w2.52 t2ey were un-erstoo- +y t2e l.steners .s .rrele ant 3or t2e purpose o3 -e5.-.n, t2e natural an- or-.nary mean.n, o3 t2e wor-s; 0e5on-ly4 t2e wor-s w2.52 +y t2e.r natural an- or-.nary mean.n, are -e3amatory o3 a person rema.n as su52 e en .3 t2ey -o not really lower 2.m .n t2e est.mat.on o3 t2ose to w2om t2e wor-s were uttere-; Mr; !r.m+er, .n t2e 5ourse o3 2.s len,t2y su+m.ss.on on t2.s po.nt postulate- an e@ample o3 s.m.lar wor-s spo7en o3 an a5a-em.54 w2o a--resse- a lar,e sympos.um an- le3t .mme-.ately t2erea3ter 3ollowe- +y an e@o-us o3 a su+stant.al part o3 t2e au-.en5e4 an- 5on5e-e- t2at .n su52 5.r5umstan5es su52 wor-s m.,2t +e -e3amatory o3 t2e spea7er; ? 2a e no -ou+t at all t2at .n su52 5.r5umstan5es t2e wor-s .3 sa.- o3 su52 a spea7er woul- +e -e3amatory o3 2.m; ?n t2.s 5ase ? 2a e no -ou+t also t2at t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 were -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.334 notw.t2stan-.n, t2at t2ey were sa.- o3 t2e 9la.nt.33 as a pol.t.5.an an- .n t2e 5.r5umstan5es as su,,este- +y Mr;

D !r.m+er,; ? now turn to t2e ne@t .ssue w2et2er t2e wor-s t2ou,2 -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33 are a5t.ona+le; T2.s .s an a5t.on 3or slan-er an- t2e 9la.nt.33 2as not a erre- or pro e- any spe5.al -ama,e su33ere- +y 2.m; #e 5an only su55ee- .3 2e 5an s2ow t2at t2e -e3amatory wor-s 3all w.t2.n se5t.on 5 o3 t2e :e3amat.on A5t E$ap; )2F4 w2.52 pro .-es as 3ollows/
=5; ?n an a5t.on 3or slan-er .n respe5t o3 wor-s 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e t2e pla.nt.33 .n any o33.5e4 pro3ess.on4 5all.n,4 tra-e or +us.ness 2el- or 5arr.e- on +y 2.m at t2e t.me o3 pu+l.5at.on4 .t s2all not +e ne5essary to alle,e or pro e spe5.al -ama,e w2et2er or not t2e wor-s are spo7en o3 t2e pla.nt.33 .n t2e way o3 2.s o33.5e4 pro3ess.on4 5all.n,4 tra-e or +us.ness;=

T2e only o33.5e w2.52 .s rele ant to t2.s .ssue .s t2e o33.5e o3 se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 69 w2.52 t2e 9la.nt.33 2el- at t2e t.me t2e -e3amatory wor-s were spo7en an- w2.52 2e st.ll 2ol-s; T2e o33.5e .s one o3 2onour an- not an o33.5e o3 pro3.tC a 3a5t a-m.tte- w.t2out reser e +y t2e 9la.nt.33; T2e Buest.on t2ere3ore .s w2et2er t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 were 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e t2e 9la.nt.33 .n t2at o33.5e an- t2e answer turns on w2at .n law .s meant +y t2e wor-s =5al5ulate- to -.spara,e= a person .n 2.s o33.5e4 an- su52 wor-s as la.- -own +y -e5.-e- 5ases 2a e 5erta.n s.,n.3.5at.on .n relat.on to an o33.5e o3 2onour4 as -.st.n,u.s2e- 3rom an o33.5e o3 pro3.t; 0e5t.on 5 o3 our :e3amat.on A5t .s in pari materia w.t2 se5t.on 2 o3 t2e :e3amat.on A5t4 1952 o3 En,lan-; At 5ommon law pr.or to t2e pass.n, o3 t2e A5t o3 1952 .n or-er to ma.nta.n an a5t.on 3or slan-er +y wor-s spo7en o3 a person 5on5ern.n, 2.s o33.5e4 w2ere su52 o33.5e was one o3 2onour an- not o3 pro3.t an- w2ere no spe5.al -ama,e was pro e-4 two reBu.rements must +e 3ul3.lle-/

3i) 3ii)

t2e wor-s must .mpute to t2at person want o3 .nte,r.ty or 5orrupt or -.s2onest 5on-u5t or ot2er m.s5on-u5t .n t2e -.s52ar,e o3 2.s o33.5e4 ant2ey must +e sa.- .n t2e way o3 t2at o33.5e;

0.n5e t2e pass.n, o3 t2e A5t .t .s no lon,er ne5essary to sat.s3y t2e se5on- reBu.rement +ut t2e 3.rst reBu.rement rema.ns; ?n ot2er wor-s4 .n or-er to +e a5t.ona+le per se w.t2out proo3 o3 spe5.al -ama,e4 t2e slan-erous wor-s w2.52 are sa.- to +e 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e a person .n 2.s o33.5e4 w2ere su52 o33.5e .s one o3 2onour4 must .mpute some want o3 .nte,r.ty or 5orrupt or -.s2onest 5on-u5t or ot2er m.s5on-u5t .n t2e -.s52ar,e o3 t2at o33.5e; ?n t2e 5ase o3 (obinson v Ward E1958F 1>8 LJ *91 .n an a5t.on 3or slan-er4 w2ere t2e pla.nt.33 2a- alle,e- t2at t2e -e3en-ant use- wor-s w2.52 meant an- were un-erstoo- to mean t2at t2e pla.nt.33 was not a 3.t an- proper person to +e a per5eptor o3 a mason.5 lo-,e4 :.plo57 J; Eas 2e t2en wasF 2el- t2at .n an a5t.on 3or slan-er 3or wor-s alle,e- to 2a e +een spo7en o3 a 234$ 2 *.% 5 at 4 pla.nt.33 tou52.n, 2.s o33.5e4 w2ere su52 o33.5e was one o3 2onour an- not o3 pro3.t an- no spe5.al -ama,e was pro e-4 .t was ne5essary .n or-er to s2ow t2at t2e wor-s were 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e t2e pla.nt.33 .n 2.s o33.5e w.t2.n se5t.on 2 o3 t2e :e3amat.on A5t4 1952 to esta+l.s24 .n a55or-an5e w.t2 -e5.s.ons pr.or to t2at A5t4 t2at t2e wor-s .mpute- to t2e pla.nt.33 some want o3 .nte,r.ty or 5orrupt or -.s2onest 5on-u5t .n t2e -.s52ar,e o3 2.s o33.5e; T2at -e5.s.on 2as stoo- t2e test o3 t.me 3or more t2an 25 years an- 2as +een Buote- w.t2 a55eptan5e +y learne- te@t +oo7 wr.ters to +e 5orre5t/ see Vol 284 /alsbury9s Laws o3 En,lan- E*t2 e-n;F para; 55 an- 1atley on L.+el an- 0lan-er E8t2 e-n;F para; 1D*; ? respe5t3ully a,ree w.t2 t2e .ew o3 t2e law as la.- -own .n (obinson v: Ward (supra": ?n my Au-,ment t2e wor-s t2ou,2 -e3amatory o3 t2e 9la.nt.33 were not 5al5ulate- to -.spara,e 2.m .n 2.s o33.5e as t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 69; T2ey -.- not .mpute any want o3 .nte,r.ty or 5orrupt or -.s2onest 5on-u5t or any ot2er m.s5on-u5t .n t2e -.s52ar,e o3 t2at o33.5e; "n t2.s .ssue t2e 9la.nt.33 3a.ls; My -e5.s.on on t2e se5on- .ssue .s su33.5.ent to -.spose o3 t2.s a5t.on; #owe er4 .n .ew o3 t2e matters plea-e- an- t2e ar,uments a--resse- +y +ot2 t2e 9la.nt.33 an- Mr; !r.m+er,4 ? 3eel ? s2oul- -e5.-e also t2e rema.n.n, t2ree .ssues;

8 "n t2e t2.r- .ssue4 t2ere are * elements w2.52 t2e :e3en-ant must esta+l.s2 .n or-er to su55eeon 2.s plea o3 3a.r 5omment/

4i) 4ii) 3iii) 2iv)

t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 are 5omment4 t2ou,2 .t may 5ons.st o3 or .n5lu-e .n3eren5e o3 3a5tsC t2e 5omment .s on a matter o3 pu+l.5 .nterestC t2e 5omment .s +ase- on 3a5ts4 ant2e 5omment .s one w2.52 a 3a.r&m.n-e- person 5an 2onestly ma7e on t2e 3a5ts pro e-;

"n t2e 3.rst element .t .s use3ul to set out .n ,reater -eta.l t2e rele ant passa,e o3 t2e :e3en-ant8s spee52 3rom w2.52 t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 were e@tra5te-; #e sa.-/
=? +el.e e4 rea-.n, t2e press reports4 t2at 0:9 tol- t2e press t2at 2e was ,o.n, .n to 5ontest t2e Anson +y&ele5t.on4 +ut as .t turne- out4 2e ne er -.-; A party t2at purports to +e ser.ous&m.n-e- must not m.slea- mem+ers o3 t2e press an- t2e pu+l.5; ?t .s not a ta5t.5al measure to 3ool t2e 9A9; T2e 9A9 2as announ5e- .ts 5an-.-ate; T2en w2o .s t2e 0:9 try.n, to pull t2e wool o er t2e eyesJ Not t2e 9A9; ? t2.n7 t2ere .s a ,ame ,o.n, on +etween t2e 0:9 an- t2e 6or7ers 9arty && w2o .s t2e lea-er o3 t2e oppos.t.on or w2o w.ll +e t2e lea-er o3 t2e oppos.t.on part.es .n t2e years to 5ome; 0:9 2a- t2e.r .nau,ural earl.er t2.s mont2;Mr; Jeyaretnam atten-e-; A3ter Mr; Jeyaretnam 2a- spo7en4 2e le3t t2e 2all4 an- w2en 2e le3t t2e 2all 2>> part.5.pants le3t w.t2 2.m; ? +el.e e t2e e@o-us was en,.neere-; ? -on8t t2.n7 .t was a spontaneous e@o-us; ?3 .t was4 .t -.- not spea7 well 3or t2e 0:9; ?t s2ows t2at t2e 5row-4 t2e l.m.te5row- st.ll loo7 towar-s Mr; Jeyaretnam4 3or t2e t.me +e.n,4 as a lea-er o3 t2e oppos.t.on; But ? am .n5l.ne- to +el.e e t2at t2e e@o-us was 5ontr. e- +y t2e lea-er o3 t2e 6or7ers 9arty to s2ow w2o .s +oss at t2.s sta,e;An- surely Mr; $2.am 5annot ta7e t2at tr.57 l.,2tly;=

Loo7.n, at t2e passa,e as a w2ole .t seems to me 5lear t2at t2e :e3en-ant at t2at t.me 3.rst a--resse- 2.msel3 to 5erta.n 3a5ts4 w2.52 2e ,at2ere- 3rom t2e press or o3 w2.52 2e was .n3orme+y :6 24 namely/

1a) 1b) 1c) 1d)

t2e a5.llat.n, att.tu-e o3 t2e 0:9 as re,ar-s 5ontest.n, t2e +y&ele5t.onC t2e .nau,urat.on o3 t2e 0:9 at w2.52 t2e 9la.nt.33 spo7e as a ,uest spea7erC t2e -eparture o3 t2e 9la.nt.33 .mme-.ately a3ter 2.s spee524 ant2e e@o-us o3 a lar,e se5t.on o3 t2e au-.en5e4 a+out 2>> persons4 at a+out t2e same t.me o3 t2e 9la.nt.338s -eparture or .mme-.ately t2erea3ter;

T2e :e3en-ant t2en -rew 2.s own .n3eren5e 3rom t2ese 3a5ts t2at t2e e@o-us was en,.neere- or 5ontr. e- +y t2e 9la.nt.33 to s2ow w2o was t2e =+oss= at t2at sta,e;?t .s t2.s .n3eren5e w2.52 .s t2e t2rust o3 t2e 5ompla.nt o3 t2e 9la.nt.33; To my m.n- t2.s was a 5omment an- not a +are or na7estatement o3 3a5ts; ?t 5onta.ne- t2e :e3en-ant8s +el.e3 or 2.s 5on5lus.on +ase- on or -rawn 3rom 5erta.n 3a5ts; "n t2e se5on- element4 ? -o not t2.n7 t2at t2ere 5an +e any -ou+t t2at t2e su+Ae5t matter o3 t2e 5omment was one o3 pu+l.5 .nterest; T2e 5omment was ma-e on an e ent t2at too7 pla5e at t2e .nau,urat.on o3 t2e 0:9 an- t2e 5on-u5t or +e2a .our o3 a 5an-.-ate 3or a 9arl.amentary +y ele5t.on; 0u52 matters are 5learly o3 pu+l.5 .nterest4 an- ? -o not t2.n7 t2at t2.s po.nt mer.ts any 3urt2er -.s5uss.on; T2e t2.r- an- t2e 3ourt2 elements s2oul- +e 5ons.-ere- to,et2er; At t2.s sta,e ? woul- l.7e to -.spose o3 a po.nt ra.se- +y t2e 9la.nt.33; ?n 2.s wr.tten su+m.ss.on t2e 9la.nt.33 -rew my attent.on to t2e -.s5repan5y +etween w2at t2e :e3en-ant 234$ 2 *.% 5 at 3 sa.- at t2e press 5on3eren5e an- w2at 2e plea-e- .n 2.s -e3en5e; At t2e press 5on3eren5e t2e :e3en-ant4 ante5e-ent to 2.s utter.n, t2e -e3amatory wor-s4 ment.one- or ma-e re3eren5e to only t2e 3ollow.n, 3a5ts/

2a) 2b) 2c) 2d)

t2at t2e 0:9 2a- an .nau,urat.onC t2at t2e 9la.nt.33 atten-e- an- spo7eC t2at a3ter t2e 9la.nt.33 2a- spo7en4 2e le3t4 ant2at some 2>> part.5.pants le3t w.t2 2.m;

?n 2.s -e3en5e4 2owe er4 t2e :e3en-ant set out a num+er o3 ot2er 3a5ts .n support o3 2.s plea o3 3a.r 5omment; ?t .s not 5lear to me pre5.sely w2at t2e 9la.nt.33 sou,2t to ma7e out +y p.57.n, on t2.s -.s5repan5y; T2e 9la.nt.33 t2en -ealt w.t2 only t2ose 3a5ts ment.one- +y t2e :e3en-ant at t2e press 5on3eren5e an- sou,2t to -emonstrate t2at t2e 3a5ts were not 5orre5tly state- +y t2e :e3en-ant an- t2ere3ore ma.nta.ne- t2at t2e -e3en5e o3 3a.r 5omment was not a a.la+le; T2e 9la.nt.334 2owe er4 .,nore- all ot2er 3a5ts plea-e- +y t2e :e3en-ant as t2e +as.s on w2.52 t2e plea o3 3a.r 5omment .s 3oun-e-; "n t2.s l.ne o3 ar,ument ? 2a e two o+ser at.ons; H.rst4 to susta.n a -e3en5e o3 3a.r 5omment .t .s not ne5essary t2at all t2e 3a5ts4 w2.52 3orm t2e +as.s o3 t2e 5omment4 s2oul- +e re3erre- to .n t2e -e3amatory wor-sC w2at .s reBu.re- .s a su33.5.ent su+stratum o3 3a5ts re3erre- to or .mpl.e- 3rom t2e -e3amatory wor-s; Lor- "a7sey .n )emsley v Foot '1952( A$ )*54 )584 )1>&)11 put t2e matter as 3ollows/
=T2e 3orms .n w2.52 a 5omment on a matter o3 pu+l.5 .mportan5e may +e 3rame- are almost .n3.n.tely ar.ous an-4 .n my op.n.on4 .t .s unne5essary t2at all t2e 3a5ts on w2.52 t2e 5omment .s +ase- s2oul- +e state- .n t2e l.+el .n or-er to a-m.t t2e -e3en5e o3 3a.r 5omment; ?t .s not4 .n my op.n.on4 a matter o3 .mportan5e t2at t2e rea-er s2oul- +e a+le to see e@a5tly t2e ,roun-s o3 t2e 5omment; ?t .s su33.5.ent .3 t2e su+Ae5t w2.52 e; hypothesi .s o3 pu+l.5 .mportan5e .s su33.5.ently an- not .n5orre5tly or untrut23ully state-;=

0e5on-ly4 3or a -e3en5e o3 3a.r 5omment to su55ee- .t .s not ne5essary to pro e ea52 o3 t2e 3a5ts plea-e- .n supportC all t2at .s nee-e- .s to pro e su52 o3 t2e 3a5ts as are su33.5.ent to 3orm t2e +as.s o3 a 3a.r 5omment; Lor- 9orter .n )emsley v: Foot (supra" sa.- at p; )58/
=?n t2e present 5ase4 3or .nstan5e4 t2e su+stratum o3 3a5t upon w2.52 5omment .s +ase- .s t2at Lor%emsley .s t2e a5t. e propr.etor o3 an- respons.+le 3or t2e %emsley 9ress; T2e 5r.t.5.sm .s t2at t2at press .s a low one; As ? 2ol-4 any 3a5ts su33.5.ent to Aust.3y t2at statement woul- ent.tle t2e -e3en-ants to su55ee- .n a plea o3 3a.r 5omment; Twenty 3a5ts m.,2t +e ,. en .n t2e part.5ulars an- only one Aust.3.e-4 yet .3 t2at one 3a5t were su33.5.ent to support t2e 5omment so as to ma7e .t 3a.r4 a 3a.lure to pro e t2e ot2er n.neteen woul- not o3 ne5ess.ty -e3eat t2e -e3en-ants8 plea; T2e prote5t.on o3 t2e pla.nt.33 .n su52 a 5ase woul-4 .n my op.n.on4 +e4 as .t o3ten .s .n 5ases o3 t2e l.7e 7.n-4 t2e e33e5t w2.52 an alle,at.on o3 a num+er o3 3a5ts w2.52 5annot +e su+stant.ate- woul- 2a e upon t2e m.n-s o3 a Aury w2o woul- +e unl.7ely to +el.e e t2at t2e 5omment was ma-e upon t2e one 3a5t or was 2onestly 3oun-e- upon .t an- a55or-.n,ly woul- 3.n- .t un3a.r;=

? now turn to e@am.ne w2at 3a5ts 2a e +een pro e- +y t2e :e3en-ant .n support o3 2.s plea o3 3a.r 5omment; "n t2e e .-en5e t2e :e3en-ant 2as pro e- t2e 3ollow.n, 3a5ts/

3a) 3b)

3c) 3d) 1e)

T2e .nau,urat.on o3 t2e 0:9 was 2el- on 0eptem+er 214 1981 at t2e 0.n,apore $on3eren5e #all au-.tor.um; T2e 9la.nt.33 was .n .te- as t2e se5retary&,eneral o3 t2e 69 to spea7 at t2e .nau,urat.on an- 2e was t2e only ,uest spea7er an- was t2e 3.rst spea7er a3ter t2e lea-ers o3 t2e 0:9 2a- -el. ere- wor-s o3 wel5ome an- t2e o33.5e +earers 2a+een sworn .n; T2ere were a+out )>> part.5.pants at t2e .nau,urat.on; T2e 9la.nt.33 was t2e most popular man t2at e en.n, at t2e au-.tor.um4 re5e. .n, roun-s o3 applause e en +e3ore 2e spo7e4 an- t2.s was reporte- .n t2e .ssue o3 t2e +usiness 6imes on 0eptem+er 224 198>; #e spo7e at ,reat len,t2 an- was also applau-e- w2.le 2e was spea7.n,4 an.mme-.ately a3ter 2.s spee52 2e p.57e- up 2.s papers an- le3t t2e 2all/ see e .-en5e o3 :6 );

1>

1f) 1g) 1h) 5i) 1j)

1k)

1l)

#.s -eparture was une@pla.ne-; At t2at t.me or .mme-.ately t2erea3ter t2ere was a lar,e se5t.on o3 t2e au-.en5e && some 2>> people && w2o also le3t t2e meet.n,; At t2e en- o3 t2e meet.n, t2ere were a+out 1>> people rema.n.n, .n t2e 2all; "n "5to+er 1*4 1981 a wr.t was .ssue- 3or t2e Anson +y&ele5t.on; As 3rom t2at -ay to t2e nom.nat.on -ay t2ere was no .n-.5at.on to t2e pu+l.5 o3 any ele5toral all.an5e +etween t2e 69 an- 0:9; 234$ 2 *.% 5 at 5< "n "5to+er 2>4 1981 a report appeare- .n t2e t2en ,e- ,ation t2at +ot2 $2.am 0ee Ton, an- t2e 9la.nt.33 were 7eep.n, =mum= an- t2at one wee7 +e3ore $2.am 2a- sa.- t2at 2.s party 52a.rman4 Ho7 Ta. Loy4 woul- +e a l.7ely 5an-.-ate +ut $2.am re3use- to 5on3.rm; "n "5to+er 224 1981 .t was reporte- .n 6he Straits 6imes t2at w2en $2.am 0ee Ton, arr. e- at t2e nom.nat.on 5entre on t2e poll.n, -ay4 2e sa.-/ =Yes4 we are ,o.n, .n=C t2at su+seBuently $2.am 0ee Ton,4 Ho7 Ta. Loy an- t2e 9la.nt.33 =were seen 2u--le- to,et2er .ns.-e t2e 2all=4 an- t2at t2e 52a.rman o3 t2e 0:9 was reporte- to 2a e sa.- t2at t2e =two part.es -.- not really 5ome to terms o er t2e 5an-.-a5y 3or Anson unt.l t2ey met .ns.-e t2e 2all;= ?t was also reporte- .n t2e sa.- .ssue o3 6he Straits 6imes t2at a3ter t2e 5lose o3 nom.nat.on $2.am rea- a statement stat.n,4 amon, ot2er t2.n,s4 t2at t2e 0:9 on learn.n, t2at t2e 9la.nt.33 was 5ontest.n, t2e +y&ele5t.on 2a- ,ra5.ously w.t2-rawn t2e.r 5an-.-ate4 t2us .mply.n, t2at .3 anot2er person 2a- +een nom.nate- +y t2e 694 t2e 0:9 woul- 3.el- t2e.r 5an-.-ate 3or t2e +y&ele5t.on;

T2e ne@t Buest.on .s w2et2er on all t2ese 3a5ts a 3a.r&m.n-e- person 5oul- 2onestly 2a e 5ome to t2e 5on5lus.on as t2e :e3en-ant -.-/ t2at t2e e@o-us o3 2>> part.5.pants at t2e 0:98s .nau,urat.on was en,.neere- or 5ontr. e- +y t2e 9la.nt.33 to s2ow t2at 2e was t2e =+oss= at t2at sta,e4 an- t2ere was no un.ty +etween t2e 69 an- t2e 0:9; T2e test .s an o+Ae5t. e one; ?n *erivale v Carson E1888F LR 2> GB: 2D54 28>4 281 Lor- Es2er4 M;R; sa.-4 at pp; 28>&281/
=62at .s t2e mean.n, o3 a =3a.r 5omment=J ? t2.n7 t2e mean.n, .s t2.s/ .s t2e art.5le .n t2e op.n.on o3 t2e Aury +eyon- t2at w2.52 any 3a.r man4 2owe er preAu-.5e- or 2owe er stron, 2.s op.n.on may +e4 woulsay o3 t2e wor7 .n Buest.onJ E ery lat.tu-e must +e ,. en to op.n.on an- to preAu-.5e4 an- t2en an or-.nary set o3 men w.t2 or-.nary Au-,ment must say w2et2er any 3a.r man woul- 2a e ma-e su52 a 5omment on t2e wor7; ?t .s ery easy to say w2at woul- +e 5learly +eyon- t2at l.m.tC .34 3or .nstan5e4 t2e wr.ter atta57e- t2e pr. ate 52ara5ter o3 t2e aut2or; But .t .s mu52 more -.33.5ult to say w2at .s w.t2.n t2e l.m.t; T2at must -epen- upon t2e 5.r5umstan5es o3 t2e part.5ular 5ase; ? t2.n7 t2e r.,2t Buest.on was really le3t +y H.el-4 J;4 to t2e Aury .n t2e present 5ase; No -ou+t you 5an 3.n- .n t2e 5ourse o3 2.s summ.n,& up some p2rases w2.524 .3 ta7en alone4 may seem to l.m.t too mu52 t2e Buest.on put to t2e Aury; But4 w2en you loo7 at t2e summ.n,&up as a w2ole4 ? t2.n7 .t 5omes .n su+stan5e to t2e 3.nal Buest.on w2.52 was put +y t2e Au-,e to t2e Aury/ =?3 .t .s no more t2an 3a.r4 2onest4 .n-epen-ent4 +ol-4 e en e@a,,erate-4 5r.t.5.sm4 t2en your er-.5t w.ll +e 3or t2e -e3en-ants;= #e ,. es a ery w.-e l.m.t4 an-4 ? t2.n74 r.,2tly; Mere e@a,,erat.on4 or e en ,ross e@a,,erat.on4 woul- not ma7e t2e 5omment un3a.r; #owe er wron, t2e op.n.on e@presse- may +e .n po.nt o3 trut24 or 2owe er preAu-.5e- t2e wr.ter4 .t may st.ll +e w.t2.n t2e pres5r.+e- l.m.t; T2e Buest.on w2.52 t2e Aury must 5ons.-er .s t2.s && woul- any 3a.r man4 2owe er preAu-.5e- 2e may +e4 2owe er e@a,,erate- or o+st.nate 2.s .ews4 2a e sa.- t2at w2.52 t2.s 5r.t.5.sm 2as sa.- o3 t2e wor7 w2.52 .s 5r.t.5.se-J ?3 .t ,oes +eyon- t2at4 t2en you must 3.n- 3or t2e pla.nt.33C ?3 you are not sat.s3.e- t2at .t -oes4 t2en .t 3alls w.t2.n t2e allowe- l.m.t4 an- t2ere .s no l.+el at all;=

To t2e same e33e5t were wor-s sa.- +y :.plo574 J; Eas 2e t2en wasF .n 2.s -.re5t.on to t2e Aury .n Sil&in v +eaverbroo&# ,e-spapers .td '1958( 2 All ER 5114 52> /
=T2e matter w2.52 you 2a e ,ot to -e5.-e4 an- ? emp2as.se t2.s a,a.n4 +e5ause .t .s so .mportant4 .s not w2et2er you4 any o3 you4 a,ree w.t2 t2at 5omment; You may all o3 you -.sa,ree w.t2 .t4 3eel t2at .t .s 5omment t2at .s not 5orre5tC +ut t2at .s not t2e test; ? w.ll rem.n- you o3 t2e test on5e more; $oul- a 3a.r& m.n-e- man4 2ol-.n, a stron, .ew4 2ol-.n, per2aps an o+st.nate .ew4 2ol-.n, per2aps a preAu-.5e.ew && 5oul- a 3a.r&m.n-e- man 2a e +een 5apa+le o3 wr.t.n, t2.sJ T2at .s a totally -.33erent Buest.on 3rom t2e Buest.on/ :o you a,ree w.t2 w2at 2e sa.-J

11
0o .n 5ons.-er.n, t2.s 5ase4 mem+ers o3 t2e Aury4 -o not apply t2e test o3 w2et2er you a,ree w.t2 .t; ?3 Aur.es -.- t2at4 3ree-om o3 spee524 t2e r.,2t o3 t2e 5ran7 to say w2at 2e l.7es4 woul- ,o; 6oul- a 3a.r& m.n-e- man 2ol-.n, stron, .ew4 o+st.nate .ews4 preAu-.5e- .ews4 2a e +een 5apa+le o3 ma7.n, t2.s 5ommentJ ?3 t2e answer to t2at .s yes4 t2en your er-.5t .n t2.s 5ase s2oul- +e a er-.5t 3or t2e -e3en-ants; 0u52 a er-.5t -oes not mean t2at you a,ree w.t2 t2e 5omment; All .t means .s t2at you t2.n7 t2at a man m.,2t 2onestly 2ol- t2ose .ews on t2ose 3a5ts; But .t .s 3or you4 t2e Aury4 not 3or me4 t2e Au-,e4 to answer t2at Buest.on4 an- t2e answers w2.52 Aur.es 2a e ,. en .n 5ases o3 t2.s 7.n- to t2at Buest.on 2a e 3orme- t2e law w2.52 l.es at t2e +as.s o3 3ree-om o3 spee52 .n t2.s 5ountry;=

Apply.n, t2e o+Ae5t. e test as la.- -own .n t2e pronoun5ements ? 2a e Aust Buote- at ,reat len,t2 an- on t2e +as.s o3 t2ose 3a5ts as pro e- +e3ore me4 .n my Au-,ment a 3a.r&m.n-e- person 5oulat t2at t.me 2a e 2onestly arr. e- at t2e 5on5lus.on as t2e :e3en-ant -.-; ?t .s s.,n.3.5ant t2at t2e :e3en-ant .n arr. .n, at t2.s 5on5lus.on -.- 5ons.-er t2e alternat. e 5on5lus.on4 i:e: t2at t2e e@o-us 3rom t2e 0:98s .nau,urat.on was spontaneous +ut .n su52 a 5ase .t -.- not re3le5t too well on t2e 0:94 an- 2e rule- out t2.s alternat. e; Now t2e 5on5lus.on w2.52 t2e :e3en-ant arr. e- at may not +e .mpart.alC o+ .ously .t 5annot +e so; T2at 5on5lus.on may +e +.ase-4 may +e preAu-.5e-4 may +e ,rossly e@a,,erate- or may e en +e wron,C .t may +e a 5on5lus.on ? 5annot an- -o not a,ree; But .t .s one w2.52 3alls w.t2.n t2e allowe- l.m.t o3 3a.r 5omment/ .t .s a 5on5lus.on w2.52 a 3a.r&m.n-e- person on t2e +as.s o3 t2ose 3a5ts 5oul- 2a e 234$ 2 *.% 5 at 52 2onestly arr. e- at; ?n my Au-,ment t2e :e3en-ant 2as su55ee-e- .n esta+l.s2.n, t2e 3our elements ne5essary to 3oun- 2.s -e3en5e o3 3a.r 5omment; ? now turn to t2e 3ourt2 .ssue/ w2et2er t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 were uttere- on an o55as.on o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e; Mr; !r.m+er, re3erre- to t2e 5ate,or.es o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e as set out .n para; 1*;>1 o3 Duncan = ,ell (!nd edn"on p 92 an- 3ee+ly ar,ue- t2at t2e :e3en-ant8s statement 3ell w.t2.n 5ate,ory EaF t2ereo34 .;e; statement ma-e .n pursuan5e o3 a le,al4 so5.al or moral -uty to a person w2o 2as a 5orrespon-.n, -uty or .nterest to re5e. e t2em4 an- 5.te- Stuart v +ell '1891( 2 GB )*1 .n support; #e sou,2t to 3oun- t2e -e3en5e o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e on t2e 3a5t t2at at t2e mater.al t.me t2ere was a +y&ele5t.on an- t2at t2e :e3en-ant as a pol.t.5.an 2a- a so5.al -uty to .n3orm representat. es o3 t2e me-.a 2.s assessment o3 t2e pol.t.5al opponents an- t2at su52 representat. es 2a- a 5orrespon-.n, -uty or .nterest to re5e. e .t; 0u52 an ar,ument ? am una+le to a55eptC .t .s really stret52.n, t2e l.m.ts o3 t2e o55as.on o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e an- e@tra a,antly attr.+ut.n, to t2e :e3en-ant a so5.al -uty to ma7e t2e statement 5ompla.ne- o3 an- to t2e representat. es o3 t2e me-.a a 5orrespon-.n, -uty or .nterest to re5e. e .t; Assum.n, t2at t2e :e3en-ant4 +e.n, at t2e mater.al t.me =t2e pr.n5.pal 9A9 strate,.st 3or t2e Anson +y&ele5t.on= Eas Mr; !r.m+er, ery attra5t. ely put .tF4 2a- a so5.al -uty to ma7e t2at statement to t2e representat. es o3 t2e me-.a4 .t .s -.33.5ult to see 2ow t2e latter 2a- a 5orrespon-.n, -uty or .nterest to re5e. e .t; $learly t2ey -o not 2a e/ see /ebditch v *ac0l-aine '189*( 2 GB 5*; ?n t2at 5ase t2e pla.nt.33 was ele5te- to t2e o33.5e o3 t2e ,uar-.an o3 t2e poor 3or a 5erta.n par.s2; T2e -e3en-ants w2o were rate&payers an- ent.tle- to ote at t2e ele5t.on sent to t2e +oar- o3 ,uar-.ans a letter 5onta.n.n, -e3amatory wor-s o3 t2e pla.nt.33; Lor- Es2er4 M;R; sa.-4 at p; 59/
=0u52 +e.n, t2e 3a5ts o3 t2e 5ase4 w2at was t2e Au-,e 5alle- upon to 5ons.-er .n -eal.n, w.t2 t2e Buest.on w2et2er t2e o55as.on was pr. .le,e-J #e 2a- 3.rst to 5ons.-er w2et2er t2e -e3en-ants4 w2o pu+l.s2e- t2e -e3amatory matter4 2a- any .nterest or -uty .n 5onne5t.on w.t2 t2e su+Ae5t w2.52 t2ey t2us +rou,2t +e3ore t2e +oar- o3 ,uar-.ans; ? am not prepare- to say t2at t2ey 2a- not an .nterest or -uty; "n t2e 5ontrary4 ? am .n5l.ne- to t2.n7 t2at t2ey 2a- an .nterest .n t2e matter;T2ey were ele5tors4 an- 2a- an .nterest .n 2a .n, t2e o33.5e 3.lle- +y a person properly ele5te-; T2en t2e pos.t.on o3 t2e +oar- o3 ,uar-.ans4 to w2om t2e -e3amatory matter was pu+l.s2e-4 2a- to +e 5ons.-ere-; T2ey 2a- no .nterest .n t2e matter4 as .t seems to me4 an-4 as ? 2a e alrea-y sa.-4 t2ey 2a- no -uty or power to ta7e any a5t.on upon t2e 5ommun.5at.on ma-e to t2em; In-er t2ese 5.r5umstan5es ? t2.n7 .t 5lear t2at t2e o55as.on was not pr. .le,e-;=

? t2ere3ore reAe5t t2e -e3en5e o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e ra.se- +y t2e :e3en-ant; ? now turn to t2e last .ssue/ w2et2er .n utter.n, t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 t2e :e3en-ant was at t2at

12 t.me a5tuate- +y mal.5e; Mal.5e means any .ll&w.ll4 sp.te or .mproper mot. e; T2e +ur-en o3 pro .n, mal.5e rests w.t2 t2e 9la.nt.33; T2e 9la.nt.33 2ere .s rely.n, on t2e 3ollow.n,/

4a) 4b) 4c) 4d)

T2e wor-s were uttere- +y t2e :e3en-ant more t2an a mont2 a3ter t2e e ent w2.52 too7 pla5e; T2e :e3en-ant was -.re5t.n, or a5t. ely ass.st.n, .n t2e 5ampa.,n to se5ure t2e ele5t.on o3 t2e 9A98s 5an-.-ate .n a +y&ele5t.on an- was 7eenly .ntereste- .n t2e result o3 t2e ele5t.on; T2e wor-s uttere- were a -el.+erate atta57 on t2e personal 52ara5ter an- .nte,r.ty o3 t2e 9la.nt.33; T2e :e3en-ant pu+l.s2e- t2e wor-s 7now.n, t2em to +e untrue an-/or re57lessly not 5ar.n, w2et2er t2ey are true or 3alse or w.t2out any 2onest +el.e3;

?t w.ll +e 5on en.ent to -eal w.t2 t2e alle,at.ons .n su+&para,rap2s EaF an- E+F to,et2er; ?t .s true t2at t2e :e3en-ant uttere- t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 a+out one mont2 a3ter t2e e ent; But t2at +y .tsel3 .s not e .-en5e o3 mal.5eC nor -oes .t ,. e r.se to any .n3eren5e o3 mal.5e on t2e part o3 t2e :e3en-ant; T2ere was a +y&ele5t.on an- as or,an.s.n, se5retary t2e :e3en-ant was ery mu52 5on5erne- at se5ur.n, t2e ele5t.on o3 t2e 9A98s 5an-.-ate; As part o3 9A98s 5ampa.,n 2e 5alle3or a press 5on3eren5e at w2.52 2e sou,2t to analyse an- assess 2.s pol.t.5al opponents ans2ow t2at t2ere was no real un.ty +etween t2e 69 an- t2e 0:9; #en5e 2e re3erre- to t2e unusual e ent at t2e 0:98s .nau,urat.on4 t2e a5.llat.n, att.tu-e o3 t2e 0:94 t2e a,reement rea52e+etween t2e 0:9 an- 69 at t2e ele ent2 2our Aust +e3ore 5lose o3 t2e nom.nat.on at t2e nom.nat.on 5entre an- pro5ee-e- to -raw 2.s .n3eren5es; ?t .s true t2at t2e :e3en-ant wante- t2e 9A98s 5an-.-ate to w.n t2e +y&ele5t.on an-4 o3 5ourse4 2e was 7eenly .ntereste- .n t2e results o3 t2e +y&ele5t.on; True also .t .s4 t2at all t2e wor-s an- statements ma-e at t2e press 5on3eren5e were -.re5te- towar-s -emol.s2.n, t2e 9la.nt.33 as a pol.t.5al 5an-.-ate an- -.m.n.s2.n, 2.s 52an5es o3 su55ess at t2e +y&ele5t.on; T2ere .s not2.n, .mproper a+out t2at Eapart 3rom utter.n, t2e -e3amatory wor-s on w2.52 ? 2a e -e5.-e-F an234$ 2 *.% 5 at 5! su52 an e@er5.se -oes not ,. e r.se to any .n3eren5e o3 mal.5e on t2e part o3 t2e :e3en-ant; As 3or t2e alle,at.on .n su+&para,rap2 E5F rel.e- upon +y t2e 9la.nt.334 t2ere .s no e .-en5e4 nor 5an .t +e .n3erre-4 t2at t2e :e3en-ant was ma7.n, a personal atta57 on t2e 9la.nt.33; "n t2e 5ontrary4 2e too7 pa.ns to 5lar.3y t2.s at t2e 5on3eren5e w2en 2e sa.-/
=? want to ma7e 5lear t2at any statements o3 m.ne t2.s a3ternoon a+out t2e oppos.t.on part.es an- a+out t2e.r lea-ers are not a+out t2em as .n-. .-uals +ut a+out t2em as pol.t.5.ans; ?n ot2er wor-s4 ? -o not 5ast any aspers.ons on t2em as .n-. .-uals; ? only 52allen,e t2e.r 5re-ent.als as pol.t.5.ans4 as people w2o asp.re to +e M9s;=

6.t2 re,ar- to t2e last alle,at.on .n su+&para,rap2 E-F t2at t2e :e3en-ant uttere- t2e wor-s 7now.n, t2em to +e untrue or re57lessly not 5ar.n, w2et2er t2ey are true or 3alse4 ? 3.n- t2ere .s no +as.s 3or su52 an alle,at.on; As ? sa.- +e3ore4 t2ere were 3a5ts on w2.52 t2e :e3en-ant 5oul2onestly ma7e 2.s 5omment; T2e :e3en-ant was su+Ae5t to a prolon,e- 5ross&e@am.nat.on .n w2.52 2e ,a e 2.s e .-en5e w.t2 5an-our; Not2.n, 2as emer,e- t2ere3rom or el.5.te- 3rom 2.m w2.52 5ast any -ou+t or susp.5.on on t2e bona fides o3 2.s +el.e3 t2at t2e 5on5lus.on 2e 5ame to was true; ? 3.n- no ,roun- 3or -.s+el.e .n, 2.m t2at t2e +el.e3 2e enterta.ne- was a ,enu.ne an- 2onest one; ?n 5ons.-er.n, t2.s .ssue ? 3.n- most pert.nent t2e 3ollow.n, passa,e 3rom t2e Au-,ment o3 Lor- :.plo57 .n /orroc&s v .o-e '19D5( A$ 1)54 15> notw.t2stan-.n, t2at t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3 were uttere- +y t2e :e3en-ant .n t2e 5ourse o3 an analys.s o3 2.s pol.t.5al opponents/
=Apart 3rom t2ose e@5ept.onal 5ases4 w2at .s reBu.re- on t2e part o3 t2e -e3amer to ent.tle 2.m to t2e prote5t.on o3 t2e pr. .le,e .s pos.t. e +el.e3 .n t2e trut2 o3 w2at 2e pu+l.s2e- or4 as .t .s ,enerally t2ou,2 tautolo,ously terme-4 =2onest +el.e3;= ?3 2e pu+l.s2es untrue -e3amatory matter re57lessly4 w.t2out

1)
5ons.-er.n, or 5ar.n, w2et2er .t +e true or not4 2e .s .n t2.s4 as .n ot2er +ran52es o3 t2e law4 treate- as .3 2e 7new .t to +e 3alse; But .n-.33eren5e to t2e trut2 o3 w2at 2e pu+l.s2es .s not to +e eBuate- w.t2 5arelessness4 .mpuls. eness or .rrat.onal.ty .n arr. .n, at a pos.t. e +el.e3 t2at .t .s true; T2e 3ree-om o3 spee52 prote5te- +y t2e law o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e may +e a a.le- o3 +y all sorts an- 5on-.t.ons o3 men; ?n a33or-.n, to t2em .mmun.ty 3rom su.t .3 t2ey 2a e a5te- .n ,oo- 3a.t2 .n 5ompl.an5e w.t2 a le,al or moral -uty or .n prote5t.on o3 a le,.t.mate .nterest t2e law must ta7e t2em as .t 3.n-s t2em; ?n or-.nary l.3e .t .s rare .n-ee- 3or people to 3orm t2e.r +el.e3s +y a pro5ess o3 lo,.5al -e-u5t.on 3rom 3a5ts as5erta.ne- +y a r.,orous sear52 3or all a a.la+le e .-en5e an- a Au-.5.ous assessment o3 .ts pro+at. e alue; ?n ,reater or .n less -e,ree a55or-.n, to t2e.r temperaments4 t2e.r tra.n.n,4 t2e.r .ntell.,en5e4 t2ey are swaye- +y preAu-.5e4 rely on .ntu.t.on .nstea- o3 reason.n,4 leap to 5on5lus.ons on .na-eBuate e .-en5e an- 3a.l to re5o,n.se t2e 5o,en5y o3 mater.al w2.52 m.,2t 5ast -ou+t on t2e al.-.ty o3 t2e 5on5lus.ons t2ey rea52; But -esp.te t2e .mper3e5t.on o3 t2e mental pro5ess +y w2.52 t2e +el.e3 .s arr. e- at .t may st.ll +e=2onest4= t2at .s4 a pos.t. e +el.e3 t2at t2e 5on5lus.ons t2ey 2a e rea52e- are true; T2e law -eman-s no more;=

Lor- :.plo57 .n t2at 5ase was -eal.n, w.t2 t2e Buest.on o3 mal.5e a33e5t.n, t2e -e3en5e o3 Bual.3.e- pr. .le,e +ut w2at was sa.- t2ere eBually appl.es to mal.5e a33e5t.n, t2e -e3en5e o3 3a.r 5omment; ?n 5on5lus.on4 ? 3.n- t2at t2e 9la.nt.33 2as 3a.le- to -.s52ar,e 2.s +ur-en o3 pro .n, t2at t2e :e3en-ant was a5tuate- +y mal.5e w2en 2e uttere- t2e wor-s 5ompla.ne- o3; A55or-.n,ly4 t2.s a5t.on .s -.sm.sse- w.t2 5osts; Action dismissed 0ol.5.tors/ Dre- = ,apier: