Lee Hsien Loong v Leong Sze Hian [2021] SGHC 66 reputation of the plaintiff, a politician. As argued by the plaintiff, Singapore courts have drawn a distinction between public and private figures, with public figures typically awarded substantial damages if the defamation relates to their honesty, integrity or character. The following extract from Lim Eng Hock Peter is illustrative on this point: 12 Singapore courts have consistently awarded higher damages to public leaders than other personalities for similar types of defamation because of the greater damage done not only to them personally, but also to the reputation of the institution of which they are members … Public leaders are generally entitled to higher damages also because of their standing in Singapore society and devotion to public service. Any libel or slander of their character with respect to their public service damages not only their personal reputation, but also the reputation of Singapore as a State whose leaders have acquired a worldwide reputation for honesty and integrity in office and dedication to service of the people. In this connection, it is pertinent that it has been said that the most serious acts of defamation are those that touch on the “core attributes of the plaintiff’s personality”, ie, matters such as “integrity, honour, courage, loyalty and achievement” (see Gatley at p 267). 13 Defaming a political leader is a serious matter in Singapore because it damages the moral authority of such a person to lead the people and the country … Without a clean or credible reputation, their moral authority to lead the people is compromised. 89 In Seow Khee Leng, the High Court observed at [25] that: Allegations of corrupt and criminal conduct are very grave charges, especially if they are made against the Prime Minister of a country. Such charges unless challenged head on would destroy the plaintiff … as moral authority is the cornerstone of effective government. If this moral authority is eroded, the government cannot function. Defamation committed against the Prime Minister and political leaders would, given its serious nature, would have to attract damages that suffice to vindicate the Prime Minister’s reputation: Lee Hsien Loong v Singapore Democratic Party and others and another suit [2009] 1 SLR(R) 642 at [103]. 49