Lacking support from rich Arabs, PKR plants a tree to raise funds

S'WAK POLLS PKR planted a tree in Kuching today, which it hopes will help raise funds to support the party’s campaign for the May 7 Sarawak state election.

Apart from this, the tree, dubbed the ‘Tree of Justice’, will also allow Sarawakians to make wishes for the East Malaysian state.

“We have printed 3,000 pieces of wish cards for members of the public to write what they wish for Sarawak. Their cards will be hung onto the ‘Tree of Justice’ that is displayed at PKR’s main operation centre in Kuching,” Sarawak PKR chairperson Baru Bian said.

He said the cards will be given to donors, who can contribute a sum according to their choice.

“We do not have rich Arabs to make generous donations to support our election campaign, but we hope that a RM26 donation for every card will give us the strength to fight against corruption, extremism, abuse of power, poor education, poverty and bring about a society with justice, integrity, harmony and equal opportunity,” Baru said in a statement.

This was an obvious jibe at the RM2.6 billion put into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s personal bank accounts ahead of the last general election in 2013.

Putrajaya has claimed that the sum is a political donation from Saudi Arabia, while the Saudi foreign minister also confirmed that his government was aware of the matter and that the money was given without expectations.

Najib has repeatedly denied abusing public funds for personal gain and blamed such allegations on those conspiring to topple him.

However, his critics continue to cast aspersions on the issue, including on attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali’s decision to clear the prime minister of any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Baru said the tree is meaningful for the people to make wishes and offer their views for a better Sarawak and to move towards a just society.

“Advice and opinions of the public can also be useful for politicians to strategise for more effective policies for the interest of Sarawak and Sarawakians,” he added.

Nominations for the 11th state election will take place on April 25, while polling will be on May 7.

There are 82 seats up for grabs in this contest, which is the first under Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem. -Mkini