The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has condemned Bestinet Sdn Bhd’s billion-ringgit lawsuit against multiple media outlets and individuals, describing it as an attempt to suppress public scrutiny.

It said the lawsuit had clear elements of a strategic litigation against public participation (Slapp), aimed at silencing journalists reporting on matters pertaining to the public interest, and urged the government to institute clear legislative guidelines to prevent harm from such litigation.

“Slapp, much like this case here, is aimed at...