The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) expresses grave concern that today the Federal Court has found the news portal Malaysiakini guilty of contempt for comments posted by their readers regarding the judiciary and fined the portal RM500,000. This decision by the apex court sends a very chilling message to all Malaysians and news organisations who believe that free speech is a fundamental right and that independent media is integral to a free and democratic society.

The RM500,000 fine is much higher than the RM200,000 sought by the Attorney General’s Chambers, and it must be paid by 24 February 2021.

Bersih 2.0 calls on 50,000 Malaysians to demonstrate their solidarity with Malaysiakini by donating RM10 each directly to Malaysiakini.

Those who wish to contribute to the “Defend Malaysiakini Fund” can do so at:

Account name: Mkini Dotcom Sdn Bhd
Account no: 5142 5351 6714 (Maybank)
Swift Code: MBBEMYKL

Branch address: Dataran Maybank, Level 1 Tower A, Dataran Maybank, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.

Alternatively, you may also donate using your credit card by calling them at +603 7770 0000.

You may verify the banking details and facts of the case at https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/563556

Statement issued by:
The Steering Committee of Bersih 2.0