Magazine faces libel action

A BUSINESSMAN yesterday asked the High Court for an injunction against a Chinese magazine to restrain it from repeating an alleged libel that he was a member of the notorious Sun Yee On triad society.

The application by Mr Ki Ming-po, who is seeking damages from Next Magazine for defamation, was adjourned to enable him to give evidence to prove that he has never been a member.

Named as defendants by Mr Ki are the publisher of Next Magazine, Mr Yeung Wai-hong, printer Toppan Printing Company (HK) Ltd and proprietor Next Magazine Ltd.

Counsel for Mr Ki, Mr Chong Kai-man, said his client had business interests in nightclubs and karaoke lounges in Hongkong and Southeast Asia.

The words used in the article identified him as a member of one branch of the Sun Yee On triad society, he said. The libel had damaged his reputation, causing him to lose business.

Mr Kenneth Kwok, for the defendants, said that before the court considered whether to grant the injunction to restrain the freedom of speech, the plaintiff must first prove that the alleged libel was untrue.