THE “Solidarity with Prof Ramasamy” crowd funding exercise to raise RM1.52 mil for former DAP stalwart Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy to pay Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik for defamatory remarks has gotten off to a good start with RM104,719.96 collected as of 11am today (Nov 3).
The former Penang chief minister II was ordered by the Kuala Lumpur High Court to pay that amount yesterday (Nov 2) with full settlement within 30 days (from yesterday lest a 5% daily interest be imposed).
“I have never intended to defame Zakir Naik. Despite the decision of the High Court today, I still believe that I have not said anything that in any way lowers his reputation,” penned Ramasamy on his Facebook page.
“As such, I have instructed my lawyers to file an appeal against today’s decision. I wish to appeal against both liability and quantum of damages. I have also instructed them to file an application to stay the execution of the decision, pending the disposal of the appeal.”
Notwithstanding Ramasamy’s appeal and seeking a stay order, the RM1.52 mil must be prepared in order to avoid interest being charged.
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Malaysian Tamilar Kural has since initiated a crowdfunding exercise and will update the collection amount every day.
“In the case of Prof Rama succeeding in the appeal, all the money donated will be channeled to the general public, especially for education and welfare purposes,” the NGO pointed out.
“Any excess donation beyond RM1.52 mi will also be channelled to welfare and education purposes. With this, we hope the general public will support and stand with Prof Ramasamy who has been a voice for the voiceless Malaysians for many years.”
As it is, the former three-term Perai state assemblyman has full faith in the court with regard to the outcome of his case.
“In any event, if I were to lose eventually, I would accept it as my fate. Probably, this is the price that I have to pay to become the voice of the voiceless Indians in Malaysia,” he added. – Nov 3, 2023
