Bid to
save Jeyaretnam from bankruptcy
Straits Times October 1, 1999
THE Workers' Party has launched a public appeal for funds to save
party chief J. B. Jeyaretnam from becoming
a bankrupt and losing his seat in parliament.
The party had been found guilty of defaming 10 members of a committee that organised the Tamil Language Week in 1995 and owes $511,643 in defamatory damages and legal costs.
Two of the plaintiffs -- People's Action Party MP (Bukit Timah GRC) R. Ravindran and lawyer R. Kalamohan -- have started proceedings to make Mr Jeyaretnam, the party's secretary-general, a bankrupt.
In a press statement appealing for funds on Wednesday the party said Mr Jeyaretnam was given 21 days from Sept 8 to pay $54,092.93 due to the two men.
The deadline ended on Wednesday. Mr Ravindran and Mr Kalamohan have agreed to accept payment in instalments.
But they have also served bankruptcy petitions on the Non-Constituency MP, which will be heard if Mr Jeyaretnam fails to pay any one instalment.
He will lose his seat in parliament if made a bankrupt.
The statement said Mr Jeyaretnam could not raise the money to pay the two men.
"The total amount due to all plaintiffs is over $500,000 but the immediate need is for $54,092.93 to save the seat in parliament for the secretary-general."
The statement was signed by Mr Jeyaretnam.
Donations in cash can be made to the party.