Deadline looms, Za'aba still can't raise RM50,000

Former PAS member Za'aba Ibrahim has only managed to raise half the legal cost ordered by the court after failing an election petition bid.

At the time of writing, Za'aaba said he has raised RM27,300 of the RM50,000 ordered by the court and he has until Jan 17 to come up with the full amount of face bankruptcy proceedings.

Za'baa had filed the election petition to nullify the results for the Pulai seat. The contest was won by BN's Nur Jazlan Mohamed, who beat PAS candidate Salahuddin Ayub.

At the time, PAS had agreed to help Za'aba with legal costs. However, the party had left Za'aba on his own after he left PAS for Amanah. Za'aba, 43, works as a welder.

According to Salahuddin, who is now Amanah deputy president, said the party had launched a nationwide donation drive to help Za'aba.

"Our Amanah national comittee also decided in last meeting to help him.

"I think since (donation drive) it's halfway through, it should be no problem (to hit the target), " he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

When asked if Amanah will use party funds to help Za'aba if the donation drive was unsuccessful, Salahuddin replied: "In any circumstance, that is our duty and responsibility to help him."

Salahuddin said Za'aba was a long-time friend and once served as a PAS Youth committee member when the former was the movement's leader.

He said Za'aba had offered himself as the plaintiff for the election petition and this decision was approved by the PAS central committee.

"He aware of the situation, and he was willing to face the music," he said.

Those who wish to assist Za'aba should contact Mr Muhammad at 016-7867777.- Mkini