The donation drive to raise RM350,000 for Malaysiakini's legal defence fund has surpassed RM270,000 as of this morning – eight days since the campaign was launched.
Malaysiakini's editor-in-chief Steven Gan once again thanked the independent news portal's supporters for their big-hearted contribution.
“Again, we would like to thank all those who have contributed. It is very much appreciated by all of us in Malaysiakini.
“We hope to reach our RM350,000 target in the coming days so that we can go back to focusing on doing our job, which is to provide news and views that matter to Malaysians,” he said.
Malaysiakini's chief executive officer Premesh Chandran also expressed gratitude for the contribution.
“The generosity of our supporters has exceeded our expectation.
“While we may have lost the case in a court of law but in the court of public opinion, Malaysiakini's commitment to reporting the news without fear or favour has emerged triumphant.
“I thank all of those who, through the act of donating their hard-earned money, have ensured that the flames of press freedom in Malaysia will not be extinguished and the voice of the people will continue to have a platform,” he said.
Malaysiakini was ordered to pay RM200,000 in damages and RM150,000 in legal cost to Raub Australian Gold Mine (RAGM) by the Court of Appeal after it reversed a High Court judgment.
RAGM had sued Malaysiakini over three articles and two video clips on health concerns expressed by residents regarding the mining activities – where cyanide-related chemicals were used to extract gold – near their village at Bukit Koman in Raub, Pahang.
In 2016, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur dismissed RAGM’s suit on grounds that it failed to prove malice on the part of Malaysiakini.
However, the three-member Court of Appeal panel, led by Justice Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim, overturned the High Court judgment on Jan 11.
The panel ruled that Malaysiakini’s defence of reportage and Reynold’s defence could not be applied in this case.
The gold mine has since ceased operations and commenced liquidation proceedings.
Those wishing to contribute to the Defend Malaysiakini Fund can bank in their donations to the following account:
Account name: Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd
Account no: 514253516714 (Maybank)
Swift Code: MBBEMYKL
Branch address: Dataran Maybank, Level 1 Tower A, Dataran Maybank, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.
Donations can also be made through credit card by calling +603 7770 0017 or via PayPal.
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