Tan Bee Geok, 64, co-founder of the glovemaking giant, is suing Thai over a series of text messages and verbal remarks allegedly made to family and friends three years ago – statements, she claims, that were calculated to shame her as a mother, relative and business leader.
With the trial set to begin on July 23, Thai wants the High Court to impose a sweeping gag order to limit any potential harm to his personal and professional reputation.
He is also looking to shield several high-profile witnesses he intends to call to testify on his behalf.
The application raises a significant and potentially unprecedented legal question in Malaysia: can a defendant, accused in a defamation suit of damaging the plaintiff’s public reputation, restrict the public from proceedings initiated by the plaintiff to restore that reputation?
FMT understands that Thai had, in the application filed last week, asked for the court to hold the trial behind closed doors, seal all court documents, and impose a media blackout of the proceedings.
He claims that the trial touches on matters that are confidential and private. He says they only involve familial matters and are not of public interest.
Thai, 65, is also understood to be calling several well-known individuals to testify, including a former national badminton player, a distinguished businessman and the manager of a renowned international artiste.
The tycoon did not name his witnesses, but said one of them was about to get married and would not want past romantic relationships brought out into the open.
The application filed by Thai’s solicitors, Shearn Delamore & Co, also seeks other protective measures, including an order that all court transcripts remain confidential and be made available only to the parties and their lawyers. He also wants all transcribers to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA).
It is fixed for case management before Judicial Commissioner Eddie Yeo on July 23.
Tan is represented in the suit by S Ravenesan.
Thai and Tan jointly own Supermax Holdings Sdn Bhd, a substantial shareholder in Supermax Corporation Berhad, one of the world’s leading producers of rubber gloves.
They were married in 1987, but saw their relationship deteriorate amid allegations from both sides.
In 2022, Tan sought a judicial separation. Thai filed for divorce in April last year. Those proceedings are ongoing in the family court.