Justice Rosilah Yop, in her judgment, dismissed the suits after a translator admitted to not translating the articles verbatim.

She said the translator, who was a plaintiff witness, also admitted to using the online editions of the articles instead of the print version.

She said the articles should have been translated into Bahasa Malaysia, not English, according to court requirements.

“The witness also admitted to using her own words in translating the text, which appears to be taken from a different source.

“Taking into account these factors, I find the plaintiff’s case to be flawed,” she said.

She also ordered Lim to pay the defendants RM50,000 each in costs.

Lim had sued Loo and China Press Bhd over an article titled “Jason Loo: One man decides, Pakatan Harapan DAP-led state government run by rule of one man” dated May 29, 2017.

He also sued Loo and Guang Ming Ribao Sdn Bhd over an article titled “Jason Loo urges Lim Guan Eng to explain why Peel Avenue land was sold prior to gazette”, dated May 29, 2017.

Loo was also sued separately over a press conference held on the matters published by the papers. All three cases were heard together in trial.

Loo, who represented himself in the case, said the court’s decision was a big win for all Penangites.

“One lone ranger like me is not enough,” he said outside the courtroom. “All Penangites must practise check and balance of the present government.”

When contacted, Lim’s lawyer Murelidharan Navaratnam said a decision to appeal had not yet been made.

“In view of the court’s findings on the translation which was found to be flawed as admitted by the witness, I am looking at whether or not we should take it up further,” he said.