KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - MALAYSIAN Indian Congress (MIC) president S. Samy Vellu has obtained an interim injunction to stop a former politician and four others from publishing what he alleges are libellous articles on him.

High Court judge Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat granted the order in chambers on Tuesday.

Mr Samy Vellu had filed for an ex parte injunction application on July 3 through his lawyer S. Selvam.

He named former Klang MIC division chief P. Thiagarasan, Malaysia Nanban reporter M. Yogalinggam, editor M. Maryanandy, publisher Penerbitan Sahabat (M) Sdn Bhd and printing company Aslita Sdn Bhd as defendants.

Mr Samy Vellu is seeking RM10 million (S$4.17 million) in damages.

In the statement of claim, Mr Samy Vellu contended that the reporter had written a libellous article on June 25, that was published in the Tamil daily, which had tarnished his good name and dignity.

He claimed that the act of the defendants had affected his credibility and caused hatred in the community and the Indians to start losing their trust in him.

Justice Tengku Maimun set Aug 1 for the hearing of the inter parte injunction. -- THE STAR/ANN.