This is not the first time that Raja Petra has been hauled up.The previous episode was when a police report was made by MMT (who incidently, has also joined the Umno Baru blogging bandwagon), alleging that RPK had "insulted the YDPA and Islam".

There is a campaign underway for funds (more like a solidarity campaign), requesting a donation of RM1.00 only, per person.This is a campaign by the people in support of Justice, freedom of information, thought, conviction and speech.

At this time (9.30 am) as I write this, Raja Petra Kamarudin is being charged with sedition in the Magistrate Court in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. It is in connection with his article on www.malaysia-today.net entitled “Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to Hell”.

RPK and I spoke last evening (May 5). He told me that his friends (including me) were planning a “Save RPK Campaign” which will include the raising of funds to enable him to meet bail and legal expenses in defending himself. I hope you all and readers of Malaysia-Today will be able to contribute rm1.00 per person (not more please) to a designated bank account. More details about the fundraising will be released later and you will be able to read it on this and other blogs.

Raja Petra and Din Merican

Funds in this account will be managed in an open and transparent manner.

You will no doubt know that defending oneself against a Government which is bent on repressing all forms of dissent is an expensive proposition, especially for RPK who is a retiree. Our present government is using all resources at its disposal —our tax dollars in fact—to prosecute one of its own citizens.RPK is social activist who stands up for the rule of law and our fundamental rights under the constitution.

We must stand for transparency, civic duty and justice for RPK.—Din Merican