And this recent lawsuit filed against a high school student is a prime example of that.
'Pray to make things easier for me'
Ain Husniza, a 17-year-old student who was thrusted into the spotlight after calling out a teacher for making rape jokes in class, has been served with a RM1 million lawsuit, The Star reported.
Ain tweeted on Wednesday (4 August) that she received a letter of demand, seeking damages for alleged defamatory remarks she made.
"Hi. Today, I suddenly received a letter of demand for 'defamatory statements'. In this letter, I've been given seven days to address these demands, including paying RM1,000,000 in compensation.
"All I ask is all of you pray to make things easier for me. :') #MakeSchoolASaferPlace," she wrote.
hi. harini ain tiba-tiba terima surat tuntutan atas "pernyataan-pernyataan fitnah"
— ain #MakeSchoolASaferPlace (@ant33ater) August 4, 2021
dlm surat ni ain diberi 7 hari untuk untuk semua tuntutan ni, antaranya untuk membayar RM1,000,000 dalam gantirugi.
all i ask is semua doakan urusan ain dipermudahkan :') #MakeSchoolASaferPlace
Ain's father, Saiful Nizam Abdul Wahab, said in a Facebook posting that the letter was delivered to them at 2pm and was addressed to Ain, himself and his wife.
According to Saiful, the letter came from the law firm Rasshidi Ema & Yung, and there were five demands listed.
He also noted that the letter came from the physical education teacher at the school where Ain previously studied at.
"Following lawyer's advice, we will not comment further on this for now.
"We will get more advice from our lawyer on our rights and the next course of action," he wrote.
Malaysians rally behind Ain
On Twitter, enraged Malaysians were quick to rally behind Ain, with many offering comfort and support.Some netizens even offered to start a crowdfunding exercise to help Ain bear the legal costs.
A high school girl now living in fear when her post regarding the rape threat from her male classmates went viral. These adults, instead of taking the actions to make schools a much safer ground, now chose to sue her back? We're with you, so update if you need help @ant33ater
— ?️ (@stayathometira) August 4, 2021
Malaysia dah teruk sampai speak up about this pon kena saman. Harap2 Ain menang dalam kes ni and tak payah bayar 1 mil tu. Aku harap cikgu2 tu mati awal aminn
— syu nak sushi (@hadasukri) August 4, 2021
Cikgu yang buat lawak rogol yang sepatutnya dikenakan tindakan tapi sebaliknya pelajar yang bangkitkan isu /awareness ni yang kena pula? Apa ini??? Aku tak boleh brain ??♀️
— Ruby (@h0ney_ruby) August 4, 2021
1. Engage the services of a lawyer. Fees to defend defamation cases usually run in mid 5 figures.
— #EndChildMarriage - Azira ?? ? (@ladymissazira) August 4, 2021
2. Take care, stay safe, and get support from the right folks if needed.
It's horrible for adults to shut down dissent instead of addressing the issues of safe spaces for children.
This is absolutely unacceptable. Please let us know your progress; if you need help crowdfund for legal fees and we will help you. Stay strong dik <3
— Hanna Alkaf (@hannaalkaf) August 4, 2021
“When you are young they assume you know nothing” - Taylor Swift.
— lampir opinionated (@NadianSalvatore) August 4, 2021
But Ain has proved she not only knows something, but she’s doing something indeed, now they are trying to silence her, out of fear.
How could they sue a child? A student?!
I have a feeling this is an attempt to distract the public from other pressing issues. Who tf sues a minor? Memang classic smoke and mirrors. Stay strong, we are all behind you.
— DANGERDISKO (@DANGERDISKO) August 4, 2021
Stay strong, Ain. May the truth prevail.