THE “Solidarity with Prof Ramasamy” crowdfunding campaign achieved its target of collecting RM1.52 million as of 11am today. 

Former Penang deputy chief minister P. Ramasamy took to Facebook to announce that the funds were collected in less than seven days. 

“We have reached the numbers. RM1,523,187.38 was raised till 11am today,” the former Perai assemblyman said. 

“Crowdfunding from November 2 at 2.30pm until November 9 at 11am. A total of 164 hours and 30 minutes. (Funds raised in) Less than seven days. 

“Fantastic effort on the part of the donors from all sections of society. Thank you for the overwhelming support. 

“Unmistakably, this is the best Deepavali present,” he added. 

Last week, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Ramasamy to pay RM1.52 million in damages to Zakir Naik for defaming the controversial Islamic preacher between 2017 and 2019.  

Although Ramasamy intended to appeal the decision and sought a stay order, the money had to be prepared to avoid the charging of interest. 

He urged donors to immediately cease contributing. 

On Saturday, Zakir said he intended to donate the money received from Ramasamy to Palestinians.  

Besides the fine, High Court Judge Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz also ordered Ramasamy to make a public apology but his counsel, Razlan Hadri Zulkifli, said they would file an application to stay the need to apologise pending their appeal. – November 9, 2023.