KUALA LUMPUR – The high court has ordered TikTok user Ku Muhammad Hilmie Ku Din to pay RM100,000 in damages to Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor over a defamatory video accusing her of using black magic.
It was reported that the decision followed a default judgment granted on June 25 after Ku Hilmie failed to appear in court. The hearing to assess damages was held today before Justice Datuk Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh.
The post, uploaded on March 2, 2023, accused Rosmah of engaging in mystical practices involving djinn, bomoh (shamans), polytheism, and Satan. Rosmah filed the suit on September 19, 2023, claiming the content implied she had committed a sin and needed to repent.
She said the allegations had harmed her standing as the wife of a former prime minister and patron of charitable causes.
“This court found that Rosmah’s conviction cannot be relied on for the defendant to defame her of supernatural practices. This constitutes an attack on her character and moral standing, and affects her moral propriety and causes distinct reputational harm,” Shahrir said in delivering his decision.
He ruled that the RM100,000 global award – comprising general and aggravated damages – was proportionate to the harm caused.
“The claim for exemplary damages is not allowed as there is no cogent evidence before this court to support such an award,” he added.
The judge also imposed 5% annual interest on the damages, starting from the date of judgment until full payment is made. Ku Hilmie, who remained absent throughout proceedings, was further ordered to pay RM20,000 in costs.
Rosmah had also sought an injunction to prevent further republication of the defamatory content, but the application was withdrawn due to the defendant’s non-appearance. – July 8, 2025