Gerakan launches fundraiser to pay damages to Guan Eng

Gerakan has launched a fundraiser to help its deputy president Oh Tong Keong pay RM500,000 in damages to DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng.

This comes after the Penang High Court earlier this month found Oh and Chinese daily, China Press, liable for defaming the former finance minister.

According to a statement today, Gerakan said they have managed to raise about RM200,000 in donations so far, while several "generous individuals" have stepped forward to advance RM300,000 for Oh.

“Although part of the amount has been temporarily advanced, our fundraising efforts will continue in order to responsibly repay the advanced funds.

"Once again, we sincerely thank every single person who extended a helping hand. Let us continue to stand united and persevere in the fight for truth and justice," the statement said.

On May 7, the Penang High Court reportedly ordered Oh to pay Lim RM400,000 in general damages, another RM100,000 in costs, and five percent per annum interest from the date the writ was filed.

The court also ordered China Press to pay RM150,000 in damages, RM80,000 in costs, and five percent interest per annum.

According to the FMT report, the case is regarding Oh’s press conference on Sept 25, 2019, where he asked whether Lim had helped WGW Entertainment Sdn Bhd and its owner Hendrik Huang secure tax exemptions for the "Fantastic Duo" Mandopop concert at Spice Arena, Bayan Lepas, which was later cancelled.

He reportedly produced photos of Lim and Huang, and official letters from the tourism ministry, at the press conference in an attempt to imply a connection.

Oh’s queries were also carried in a press release from Penang Gerakan, and were published in China Press.

Oh has since filed an appeal against the High Court decision on May 21.

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