S'pore PM appeals libel verdict

S'pore PM appeals libel verdict

SINGAPORE (AP): Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong is appealing a court verdict that awarded him 20,000 Singaporean dollars (US$12,903) in libel damages from an opposition politician, it was reported yesterday.

Goh had asked for 200,000 dollars ($129,032) from Workers' Party leader J.B. Jeyaretnam for statements he made at an election campaign rally in January.

Quoting legal sources, The Straits Times said the appeal filed Wednesday would likely come before the Court of Appeal in February or March. There was no immediate information on the grounds for the prime minister's action.

Jeyaretnam has said he has not decided whether to appeal the ruling announced Sept. 29.

The International Commission of Jurists said the verdict did little to improve the reputation of Singapore courts, which are seen as being compliant toward the ruling People's Action Party.