We don’t need more aid foundations, just better strategies, says DAP man

 

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob at the recent launch of the Keluarga Malaysia Foundation in Kuching. With him are Sarawak chief minister Abang Johari Openg and communications and multimedia minister Annuar Musa. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The country does not need more foundations to provide aid to Malaysians, just better delivery procedures, said DAP’s Steven Sim (PH-Bukit Mertajam) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“I don’t understand the government’s need to establish foundations. If existing procedures are preventing the direct delivery of aid to vulnerable groups, then we should change these procedures. Not set up more foundations,” he said.

“We do not want any more 1MDB-like scandals.”

He called upon the finance ministry to list the existing foundations, including relevant details such as their functions, names of their chairmen, and their budget allocations for the year, for the purpose of preventing abuse of government funds.

“I am concerned that these foundations will be used as mediums to channel government funds for political purposes, personal interests, and cronies,” he said.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob launched the Keluarga Malaysia Foundation on Oct 23 to provide aid to children who have been orphaned due to the Covid-19 pandemic until they reach the age of 18. - FMT