The fundraising campaign to assist former Penang Deputy Chief Minister P Ramasamy in his lawsuit against the controversial preacher Dr Zakir Naik has raised over RM230,000 since its launch yesterday, according to the organisers.
Malaysian Tamilar Kural Association president David Marshel revealed that as of 5pm today, they had successfully raised a total of RM236,091.65.
“This solidarity fund is essential for us to send a clear message that every struggle requires support and unity, and for us to continue to fight and achieve victory.
“So far, the response has been very encouraging. But we still need about RM1.26 million to settle the court case.
“We hope that in the coming days, we can achieve it,” he told Malaysiakini.
Marshel and Ramasamy are former leaders of the Penang DAP.
Both were dropped from the candidate list for state elections in August. As a result, Ramasamy left the party while Marshel ran as an independent candidate, leading to his expulsion.
Yesterday, Ramasamy launched a crowdfunding campaign after the court ruled in Zakir’s favour in the lawsuit.
The High Court in Kuala Lumpur ordered Ramasamy to pay a total of RM1.52 million – which comprises RM1 million for general damages, RM100,000 for aggravated damages, RM250,000 for exemplary damages, and RM70,000 in costs. He was ordered to settle the amount within 30 days from yesterday.
Ramasamy had pledged to be transparent regarding the funds collected, and any excess would be used for the public good.
He also said he would appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.
In 2019, Zakir filed two separate defamation suits against Ramasamy related to statements made by the politician.
The first suit is linked to Zakir's speech in Kota Bharu, Kelantan on Aug 8, 2019, and the second lawsuit was related to mass arrests linked to alleged attempts to revive the defunct militant group Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE). -Mkini
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