Section 12

In an action for libel in respect of the publication of any such report or matter as is mentioned in Part II of the Schedule to this Act, the provisions of this section shall not be a defence if it is proved that the defendant has been requested by the plaintiff to publish in the newspaper in which the original publication was made a reasonable letter or statement by way of explanation or contradiction, and has refused or neglected to do so, or has done so in a manner not adequate or not reasonable having regard to all the circumstances.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as protecting the publication of any blasphemous, seditious or indecent matter or of any matter the publication of which is prohibited by law, or of any matter which is not of public concern and the publication of which is not for the public benefit.

Defamation 11

Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting or abridging any privilege subsisting (otherwise than by virtue of the

Libel Enactment of the Federated Malay States [F.M.S. Cap. 70]

and the Libel Ordinance of the Straits Settlements [S.S. Cap. 56]

repealed by this Act) immediately before the commencement of this Act.

Application of Act to broadcasting