Zakir Naik pledges to donate RM1.52m from Ramasamy to Palestine

Dr Zakir Naik plans to donate the RM1.52 million compensation from former Penang deputy chief minister II P Ramasamy to the Palestinian cause.

In a statement on Facebook, the Islamic preacher expressed his appreciation to the Kuala Lumpur High Court for awarding the defamation damages in his civil suits against Ramasamy.

“I would like to thank the High Court of Malaysia for ordering Ramasamy, the former deputy chief minister of Penang, to pay me RM1.52 million in defamation damages.

“I would like to donate the full amount of RM1.52 million to the Palestinian cause. I pray that Allah accepts from me this humble effort for His sake,” Zakir (above, right) said.

According to the religious figure, the Palestinians are carrying out a communal obligation on behalf of all Muslims by protecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“I pray that Allah grants steadfastness and victory to the Palestinian resistance. May He ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Palestine, strengthen them against their oppressors, and admit their martyrs to the highest rank in Paradise. Aameen,” he said.

Payment within 30 days

On Thursday, the civil court allowed two civil actions by the Indian national against the former DAP leader.

Judge Hayatul Akmal Abdul Aziz ruled that all three elements of defamation have been proven by Zakir for the five public statements made by Ramasamy.

The court then ordered Ramasamy to pay a total of RM1.45 million in defamation damages to Zakir and another RM70,000 for costs.

Hayatul directed the defendant to pay the damages, quantum and costs within 30 days and ordered Ramasamy to make a public apology to Zakir.

According to Ramasamy’s legal counsel Razlan Hadri, they are going to file an appeal on the High Court verdict and compensation orders this Monday.

However, the lawyer said, Ramasamy would still have to pay the damages to Zakir within 30 days as ordered by the High Court.

“Appealing does not mean you don’t have to pay. We have to respect the court orders,” he said.

Following the court decision, Ramasamy had launched a fundraising campaign to help him pay Zakir.

It was learned that as of yesterday, the campaign has raised over RM230,000.

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