KUALA LUMPUR – Former Penang deputy chief minister II P. Ramasamy has managed to hit the target in his crowdfunding campaign to settle his RM1.52 million payment to preacher Zakir Naik, earning RM1,523,187.38 as of 11am.
Ramasamy had earlier said on his Facebook page that the campaign, which started on November 2, will soon reach its target.
“Once the amount of RM1.52 million is reached, the crowdfunding (campaign) will cease. Our objective is meant to address the high court imposed penalty.
“Chances are that we will call a press conference tomorrow to officially announce the collection of the fund. Once this is done, the funds will be handed over to my lawyers in Penang.
“The present that you have given me will be forever etched in my memory. While I applaud the financial assistance of all, special appreciation must be given to the members of the working class.”
Yesterday, former party mate Charles Santiago urged Malaysians to unite and contribute to the crowdfunding effort to assist Ramasamy, hoping that the target could be reached by Deepavali on Sunday.
The initiative was launched by non-governmental organisation Tamilar Kural Malaysia on November 2, after Ramasamy lost the defamation suit brought by Zakir.
Applauding those who have been willing to donate, Santiago pointed out that Ramasamy is not the only figure who has been the target of civil defamation suits by Zakir.
Others who have been involved in legal actions initiated by Zakir include Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran, former Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy, ex-Batu Uban assemblyman S. Raveentharan, and Santiago himself.
In August, Ramasamy called it quits with DAP, resigning just weeks after being dropped as a candidate for the Penang state election.
The Perai incumbent said in a press conference in Penang that he tendered his resignation, and it was a difficult decision, seeing that he joined DAP 18 years ago. – November 9, 2023