PUTRAJAYA: Politicians cannot sue the media for defamation in their capacity as public figures, the Court of Appeal has ruled.

Justice Rohana Yusof on Tuesday allowed Utusan Melayu (M) Bhd's bid to strike out Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob's defamation suit on the grounds the suit was made in his capacity as a public official.

The unanimous decision agreed with Utusan Melayu's lawyers, that public figures have no locus standi (legal standing) to sue members of the public, as it was tantamount to curbing criticism.

The three-person panel which also included Justices Idrus Harun and Mary Lim ordered Adnan to pay RM3,000 in cost.

Utusan Melayu was represented by lawyer Datuk M. Reza Hassan and Azhar Arman Ali, while counsel Americk Sidhu appeared for Adnan.

M. Reza told reporters that the case could have landmark implications as it meant public figures could only sue for defamation if the attack was personal in nature.

On July 23 last year, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Utusan Melayu's strike out bid, and ordered the publisher pay Adnan RM3,000 in costs.

Judge Justice Yeoh Wee Siam disagreed with Utusan Melayu's argument that as an elected representative, the Mentri Besar has no locus standi to file the suit.

In the suit filed in Dec 2014, Adnan said Utusan Melayu had tarnished his reputation as a national leader and politician through an article in Mingguan Malaysia under the headline "Hebat Sangatkah Adnan?".

He claimed the article, published on Nov 9 that year, implied he had failed in carrying out his duties and overstayed his position as Mentri Besar.

Adnan said the article also implied he used his political position to abuse the media when it was critical of him.

He sought general, aggravated and exemplary damages, an apology and an undertaking not to repeat publication of such defamatory material against him.