MALAYSIAKINI’S appeal to the public for help to pay a RM500,000 fine was fully answered in mere hours today.
The appeal was published at 11.44am and about four hours later, the news portal announced it had surpassed the goal.
“We have collected over RM505,000 in the four hours since we launched our donation drive. Details on what we will do with the extra funds will be forthcoming. Thank you everyone, from all of us at Malaysiakini,” the news portal tweeted at 4.30pm.
As of 4.50pm, the contributions have reached RM528,524.
The fine was imposed this morning by the Federal Court after it found the portal guilty of contempt. The court also decided that the fine must be paid within three working days from today.
Meanwhile, the United States embassy in Malaysia issued a statement that the decision against the portal will have an impact on the freedom of press in Malaysia.
It said freedom of expression is fundamental for public discourse and the democratic principles that support accountability and good governance.
DAP’s Iskandar Puteri MP Lim Kit Siang said the court decision was “shocking”.
The veteran lawmaker said Malaysians must fight for a more open, just and free society which upholds freedom of expression, accountability and transparency, the rule of law, efficient and effective governance, and ethics and public integrity in government affairs.
Last June, attorney-general Idrus Harun brought contempt charges against the portal over its readers’ comments on the website about the chief justice’s orders about court proceedings while the movement control order was in effect.
The apex court today delivered a 6-1 majority decision that may not be appealed. – February 19, 2021.
Comments
Posted 3 years ago by Leanne Koo · Reply
MALUSIA TAK BOLEH !
Posted 3 years ago by Arul Inthirarajah · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Jing Ling Tan · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Loyal Malaysian · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Mike Mok · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Lucky Boy · Reply
Posted 3 years ago by Lucky Boy · Reply