KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — A donation drive to help lawyer and activist Siti Kasim in her legal defence and suit against the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) has been closed today after exceeding its target.

According to the Freedom Fund Working Committee, the drive managed to collect over RM10,000, less than a week since it was launched in June 23.

“We’re pleased to inform all of you that we’ve exceeded our target amount of RM8,000. As at today, we’ve collected a total of RM10,226.83 from 96 individuals.

“Since we have achieved our targeted amount, we would like to announce that our donation drive to help Siti Kasim is now closed,” the committee said in a brief statement.

The committee had previously said that out of its initial target of RM8,000, RM3,000 would cover the bail, while the rest for filing charges for her suit against Jawi, the fine should she be convicted, and other incidental expenses.

Siti was charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code on June 22 for obstructing an officer from Jawi during a raid at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur in April 2016.

She was arrested that night by Jawi officers and also police officers, despite identifying herself as a lawyer.

The raid happened during an alleged beauty pageant for transgenders held at a hotel here last year. Siti was subsequently released later that night after being briefly detained.