Malaysian palm oil firm files defamation suit against Wilmar subsidiary

Pacific Inter-Link Sdn Bhd (PIL) issues a writ of summons against Wilmar Trading Pte Ltd (WTPL) for alleged defamation and unlawful interference with PIL's economic interests and businesses.

The suit was filed with regard to WTPL's contracts of sale of palm oil products with other parties, which PIL has no association with.

WTPL and three other Malaysian parties are the defendants to the suit.

PIL is claiming against all four defendants, jointly and severally, for amongst others, general damages of US$244.2m, aggravated damages of US$200.0m as well as a public apology.

WIL’s lawyers have issued a statement saying the writ has no merit and is “ totally frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court process."

In a separate statement, OCBC concurred with WIL’s lawyers that the firm is “in no way liable” to PIL for alleged defamation and unlawful interference with the Malaysian firm’s economic interests and business, “just because WTPL has not had any business dealings with PIL for the past few years.”

“We... agree with WIL's lawyers that WTPL is entitled to decide which party it wishes to deal with in a free market,” OCBC said.

In response, WIL's lawyers have just sent PIL's lawyers a letter demanding "immediate discontinuance" of PIL's suit against WPTL and a public apology.

WIL said a refusal on PIL’s part to adhere to the said conditions would force the company to take steps to strike out PIL's suit and also hold the Malaysian firm fully responsible for all losses, damages and legal costs suffered.