It cost between 650,000 and 700,000 Malaysian ringgits (US$180,000 - US$194,000) to defend Ruzana Zubir on charges of smuggling five kilograms of opium resin into Australia last year and it was only thanks to donations was she able to afford the legal fees. Zubir, who had been fooled into carrying the package in her suitcase during her flight into Sydney by a newly made acquaintance, was eventually acquitted on the charges last month. And pending permission being given by the donors who contributed to her legal fund, the remaining balance will be set up as a trust fund for other Malaysians in trouble with the law overseas. While her lawyer, Muhammad Shafee, hasn’t disclosed how much of her fighting fund is actually left, it is known that most of the initial funds raised before the trial began earlier this year were spent. However, some cheques were received afterwards. She also plans to write a book about her experiences, with her lawyer as a co-author.

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