Seeing the Equanimity reminds Guan Eng of the people

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng yesterday expressed his sadness for the people when he entered and saw and the luxury yacht, the Equanimity allegedly owned by controversial businessman Low Taek Jho or Jho Low.

Lim said even though the ship was very luxurious and beautiful, he felt sad upon remembering the plight of the people. “Yesterday ( Saturday) I accompanied Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir to look at the ship, it was like a dream ...but we were also sad as this was all from the people’s money which could be better used for the people.

“That is why we encourage organisations such as One Hope Charity to carry out more welfare programmes as the government is facing financial constraints,” he said when launching the 16th anniversary celebration of One Hope Charity and Welfare Berhad at Juru Auto City here.

He said the government was in the process of studying tax exemption for certain active associations and nongovernmental organisations to carry out welfare programmes.

“The study on the possibility of giving up to 7 per cent in tax exemption will be announced at the 2019 Budget which will be tabled on Nov 2,” he said. The luxury yacht valued at about RM1 billion was believed to be part of the assets bought using 1Malaysia Development Berhad ( 1MDB) funds.

Various international authorities are still trying to track down the owner of the ship believed to Jho Low to assist investigations into the misappropriation of 1MDB funds. Earlier, 2,500 recipients comprising the needy received daily essential goods under the programme. — Bernama