AFTER hitting RM1 mil on Monday (Nov 6), the “Solidarity with Prof Ramasamy” crowdfunding campaign should be able to reach the desired RM1.52 mil target today. Collection peaked at RM1,308,643.65 mil at 11am today (Nov 8) but was a mere RM120,000 away by 4.30pm.
This is barely a week after it was launched last Thursday (Nov 2) soon after former DAP stalwart Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy was slapped with that exorbitant amount to compensate controversial Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik for defamatory remarks.
For the record, the Kuala Lumpur High Court has ordered the former Penang chief minister II to pay Indian national Zakir RM1.52 mil with full settlement within 30 days (from Nov 2 lest a 5% daily interest will be imposed).
Below is the full reaction from the three-term former Perai MP to FocusM:
The way the funds are being mobilised, reaching the target of RM1.52 mil is within the reach in few days. As I have earlier predicted, about seven days were sufficient to raise the stipulated amount.
Although the funds emanated predominantly from the Indian community, they were not the exclusive contributors. Others have a share in the contributions to the fund.
If things go well, the funds will be handed over to my lawyers by Friday (Nov 10). The date for the appeal and stat has been fixed on Dec 1.
My lawyers will appeal on the quantum as well as the apology. I have instructed my lawyers to deposit the funds in the clients account to take into consideration the appeal process.
I must admit that I was overwhelmed and emotionally touched by the great response from the ordinary people, especially members of the working class. Even school children donated to the fund.
It was argued earlier by some detractors that I might not be able to raise the required funds because I had left the DAP. However, the overwhelming response to crowdfunding shows that my resignation from the DAP had no effect on the flow of funds.
On the contrary, my resignation from the party might have contributed to the surge in the funds. I lost the defamation case yet the response was as though I had won the case. It was a terrific empowerment of the Indian community through the support for me.
The community realised that my battle with Zakir Naik was not a personal one but on behalf of the Indian community. The funds were channelled out of respect for me in the betterment of the community. – Nov 8, 2023
