Bersih has collected about RM40,000 to help Major Zaidi Ahmad via a fund-raising campaign for the former air force pilot.

The campaign kicked off on Feb 15 after Zaidi was dismissed from the air force after being found guilty of speaking to the media about the indelible ink used in the 13th general election without prior approval from the Armed Forces Council.

"We would like to say that the total amount raised is RM38,209.41. Bersih has given Major Zaidi a cheque of the same worth at our office on March 4," said the electoral watchdog in a statement today.

Bersih added that it is "thankful to all those who contributed" as well as reiterating its stance of condemning the decision on Zaidi.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah had said earlier that many Malaysians are unhappy with him being punished, and instead felt that Zaidi should be honoured and praised for his courage.

Zaidi was found guilty by the Military Court on two counts of breaching Paragraph 13, No 12 and Paragraph 3 of the Armed Forces Council Instruction.

He is also decorated with the Kesatria Angkatan Tentera, an Order of Military Service awarded to those ranked Lieutenant-Colonel and below.

Bersih 2.0 has been championing Zaidi since the very beginning of his trial.