GEORGE TOWN – Independent Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has pledged to donate RM1.5 million to the Palestinian cause after he was awarded the sum by the Kuala Lumpur High Court following his libel case victory against former Penang deputy chief minister II P. Ramasamy.
Zakir said he hopes his contribution can help lighten the burden of the Palestinians.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the court for ordering Ramasamy to compensate me with RM1.5 million after he was deemed to have defamed me.”
The Indian-born preacher said he wanted to donate the money because the Palestinians are the protectors of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is the third most sacred Islamic place of worship.
Zakir posted on social media that he will pray that Allah will continue to protect the people of Palestine and victory will be theirs.
Earlier, the high court found Ramasamy, a former DAP leader, guilty of defaming Zakir, awarding him up to RM1.5 million in damages.
Zakir sought justice after he alleged that Ramasamy posted defamatory content about him on his social media channels.
Ramasamy has instructed his lawyers to appeal the decision, while his supporters have launched a crowdfunding initiative to help him settle the amount.
Ramasamy said he did not have any intentions to defame Zakir and despite the ruling, he stressed that he did not do anything to lower Zakir’s reputation.
The “Solidarity with Prof Ramasamy” online funding exercise has collected around RM104,719 as of 11am yesterday. – The Vibes, November 4, 2023
