The donation drive to raise RM350,000 for Malaysiakini, which the news portal has been ordered to pay in damages and legal cost to the Raub Australian Gold Mine (RAGM), has surpassed the RM300,000 mark.
According to Malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran, the current tally stands at RM320,000.
“I am speechless. Words cannot describe the gratitude we at Malaysiakini feel. Due to our supporters, we have managed to raise RM320,000 in 11 days.
“I wish to thank all of those who have contributed. We pledge to continue reporting the news and views that matter for the betterment of this nation,” he said.
Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan also expressed his appreciation for the contributions.
"The speed and generosity of our readers and supporters in answering our appeal have strengthened our faith in Malaysians and this beautiful country of ours.
"It has also strengthened our resolve to continue to do our job the best we can - without fear and favour," Gan said.
Malaysiakini was ordered to pay RM200,000 in damages and RM150,000 in legal cost to 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.
Malaysiakini seeks public's help to pay RM350k damages
Malaysiakini defence fund reaches halfway mark