Activist starts crowdfunding campaign
KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian activist has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help reduce the country’s debt.
Law graduate Nik Shazarina Bakti, 27, reminded Malaysians of the time when people raised funds for Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Merdeka Mission to London.
“And this time, we are doing it! We can tell our children and grandchildren of this initiative that we all took part in to save Negaraku Malaysia,” her campaign description reads.
Nik Shazarina, a legal officer at Sisters in Islam, said proceeds would be channelled to the government at the end of the campaign.
At the time of writing, 92 people had donated US$3,633 (RM14,449.53).
She said she aimed to raise US$100,000 in the next 67 days. The campaign expires on July 31.
Social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir endorsed the campaign and urged Malaysians to chip in.
“I know a lot of people have been wanting to help with our huge debt, which just shows how much Malaysians love their country. So many sweet and caring people have approached me to do something, but I am reluctant because I do not think it is appropriate.
“But, this young person has taken her own initiative to do something by crowdfunding to save Malaysia. I happen to know her and am so proud of her. So if you can help, do support. Every little bit helps,” she said in a Facebook post.
Petaling Jaya member of parliament and former Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah also vouched for Nik Shazarina, calling it a “good effort”.
“She requested that I help deliver the proceeds of the fundraising campaign to the Finance Ministry so that it can be directed towards reducing the burden of the rakyat.
“Although we may disagree about having to use even more of the rakyat’s money to settle the debt, we cannot deny that the debt is there and is a huge threat to all of us.I support her initiative because something has to be done so that we can get back up on our feet,” said Maria in an Instagram post.