The Workers’ Party parliamentarians who are embroiled in the ongoing Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) trial have revealed that they have raised nearly half a million dollars, thanks to the kind contributions of the public, who have generously given to help the town councillors with mounting legal costs.
Low Thia Khiang, Sylvia Lim and Pritam Singh revealed in their blog, entitled In Good Faith, that they have raised SGD $477,653, as of 10pm yesterday evening – just over 24 hours since the trio appealed to the public for help to fight the multi-million dollar lawsuits they are facing in court
On Wednesday, the opposition party leaders revealed in their blog that they have “depleted our personal resources,” having already paid $600,000 from their own pockets to their legal team as the trial progresses.
Adding that they have not used any party funds, the trio asserted that they are committed to fighting vigorously against the unfounded claims that have been levelled against them:
“Since the suits commenced, the three of us have funded the legal expenses, using our personal savings and contributions from friends. We have not used any funds from the Workers’ Party. The total we have paid to our own lawyers to date is close to $600,000, covering the work done before the trial. The costs incurred so far have depleted our personal resources.
“The claims against us are unfounded. We have acted in good faith, and did what we believed to be in the best interests of our residents and the Town Council.
“We will fight the claims vigorously. If we lose the suits and are adjudged to pay large sums of money, and are unable to pay, we would face bankruptcy… We now appeal to the public for financial support.”
Shortly after the parliamentarians made their appeal for financial support, many gave to the town councillors and flooded social media with words of encouragement for the three political leaders. Within six hours of the appeal going live, the public donated $100,000 to the MPs.
Hundreds of Singaporeans also pledged to give their SG Bonus, that they are expecting from the Government by the end of this year, to the WP MPs even though they have use for the sum.
Those who wish to contribute to the WP MPs to aid with legal costs, may do so using the following channels:
PayNow to +65 9852 5901 (Sylvia Lim’s public line)
Internet fund transfer to UOB account no. 396 309 388 6
Cheque made payable to any one of the three WP MPs: Lim Swee Lian Sylvia, Low Thia Khiang, or Pritam Singh
Alternatively, contributors may reach them through post at “My Mail Box 882560 Singapore 919191,” or arrange to meet them in person by contacting them at ingoodfaithsg@gmail.com.
The WP MPs, who are maintaining a tally of contributions on their blog in the interests of transparency, ask: “If it is convenient, please include your email address so that we can thank you.”