Deputy unity minister K Saraswathy said Rajes Manimaran, a former reporter with Tamil Malar Daily, was declared bankrupt by R Nadarajah, chairman of Maha Mariamman Devasthanam, for failing to pay on a judgment obtained in a civil suit.
After exhausting all his appeals, Rajes was left with a cumulative debt of RM295,868, made up of damages, and costs as ordered by the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Federal Court.
Saraswathy, who represented the journalist in the case, said it was unfortunate that Rajes had been saddled with the debt for reporting on a matter of public importance based on the contents of an affidavit tendered in court.
The senator said Rajes was merely reporting what transpired in court on two different occasions when the matter came up for case management, and had acted in accordance with his employer’s instructions.
“It was not a case of making a personal attack on a public figure or concocting lies to malign someone in the name of freedom of the press. Instead, it was an instance of reporting on a subject of public interest.
“The primary intent was to inform the public about the ongoing case and the important issues raised in the suit to enable the public to make informed decisions,” she said at a press conference.
Saraswathy said she respected the judicial process and the rule of law, adding that she and her client respected the wisdom of the judges who evaluated the evidence and made their decisions.
Rajes, who was made bankrupt in February, has had his bank account frozen and his application for a housing loan declined. His employment is also in jeopardy.
“In this dire situation, I am appealing to the public and members of the media community who value integrity and transparency to come together and help to clear the bankruptcy of a journalist.
“I am making this appeal not just to raise funds, but to stand in solidarity with a reporter who had penned an article centred on the issue of accountability of a religious institution,” she said.
Saraswathy said the Dr Ambedkar Welfare Association of Malaysia had agreed to take the lead role in the fundraising.
She kicked off the fundraiser with a RM10,000 donation.
Those who wish to contribute may do so by banking into the association’s account at Hong Leong Bank – 19800052558.