‘Funds will be used only to settle debt’

KUALA LUMPUR: Donations to Tabung Harapan Malaysia will be used solely to settle government debts, said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

“We will not use it for any other purpose. It is not allowed.

“If it is not enough, obviously, the government will top up.

“For instance, if we want to pay an instalment of about RM200 million, and as of now (Friday) Tabung Harapan has RM50 million, so the government will come up with the remaining sum,” he told Bernama in an interview.

On criticism from Pas that the party did not resort to such measures despite Kelantan’s debts, Lim said: “I do not know whether Pas has the right to talk about economic management.

“From the aspect of economic management, Pas has no good track record.

“In fact, Kelantan is among the states that is always in deficit and has to resort to borrowing from the Federal Government.

“If they did not borrow from the Federal Government, they will not be able to even pay the salaries of state government employees.

“So, I think Pas should put its house in order first.

“Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself truthfully.”

Tabung Harapan Malaysia was launched to allow the rakyat to support the government after it was revealed that the nation’s debt had reached RM1 trillion.

The government established the fund to ensure that there was a systematic and transparent platform to safeguard contributions and ensure they were properly managed and organised.

The fund, launched on May 30, stood at RM54.89 million, as at Saturday.

Lim said the government would appoint an external audit firm to ensure transparency.

“Some quarters have suggested that we look for an external audit firm that will provide the service for free. I like this, and I support (the idea).

“We have to look for an audit firm that will offer its services for free. We will be humbled by their gesture and thank them profusely.”

Malaysians abroad have urged the government to help foreign missions facilitate Tabung Harapan Malaysia donations.

It was reported that Penangborn K. Gurunathan, who was elected mayor of Kapiti Coast in Wellington, New Zealand, will chip in NZ$1,000 (RM2,800) to Tabung Harapan Malaysia.

“As a Malaysian, who left the racial politics, discrimination and corruption to seek a future in New Zealand, I appeal to the Malaysian diaspora in New Zealand and around the world to also support the campaign,” Gurunathan was quoted as saying in Malaysian media.

He said there were between 700,000 and one million Malaysians living abroad, with 18,000 in New Zealand alone.

Some quarters have suggested that we look for an external audit firm that will provide the service for free. I like this, and I totally support (the idea). We have to look for an audit firm that will offer its services for free. LIM GUAN ENG

Finance minister