The course “Defamation Law” was held from 18-19 August 2017 (Friday and Saturday) at the Banquet Hall, Palace of Justice, Putrajaya. The objective of this course was to develop and increase the knowledge and skills of Judges/Judicial Commissioners in managing and determining defamation cases.

A total of 20 participants comprising 10 Judges and 10 Judicial Commissioners attended the course. The facilitators who conducted this course were The Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato'Seri Zulkefli bin Ahmad Makinudin, President of the Court of Appeal, The Right Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Wira Ahmad bin Haji Maarop, Chief Judge of the High Court in Malaya, The Honourable Tan Sri Azahar bin Mohamed, Federal Court Judge and The Honourable Datuk Vernon Ong Lam Kiat, Court of Appeal Judge. The Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Md Raus bin Sharif was also present.

This course was divided into 2 sessions. The first session was an individual presentation by 9 Judges and 9 Judicial Commissioners on various topics pertaining to “Defamation Law” as determined by the facilitators. The second session was a discussion of the case study. The participants were divided into 4 groups. Each group was assigned to discuss two case studies and was subsequently asked to present their findings. An interactive discussion and question-and-answer session led by the facilitators were conducted at the end of each session to enable the participants to enhance their knowledge and understanding on the topics and case studies discussed.