RM7 million and counting...

PETALING JAYA: Tabung Harapan Malaysia has received more than RM7 million, less than 24 hours after it was launched.

“Malaysians have taken patriotism to greater heights, (giving) their allowances and spare cash to help rebuild this nation we all love,” Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He added that all donations were tax deductible and advised donors to take a screenshot of the transaction or keep a copy of the receipt.

L im thanked the public, and made special mention of activist and law graduate Shazarina Bakti, who initiated a crowdfunding effort and raised RM13,476.57 a week before Tabung Harapan Malaysia was launched.

He said this spirit of hope and unity will spur the Pakatan Harapan government forward to fulfil all of its manifesto pledges for the people.

“As this involves funds donated by the rakyat, the government will be transparent with every sen. The amount will be updated daily on the Finance Ministry’s website and on its social media platforms,” Lim said.

Meanwhile in Penang, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he and 10 exco members would contribute 10% of their salaries monthly.

In 1998, 3.5 million South Koreans donated US$2.1 billion (about RM8.3 billion) worth of gold to help pay their country’s debt, which was fully repaid by 2001, nearly three years ahead of schedule.

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