1 week Ago By Muhammad Zulsyamini Sufian Suri
IPOH: DAP has collected nearly RM1 million through its donation drive for victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire, which was collected over eight days from April 2.DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming said that RM969,000 was successfully raised from party members when the donation account was closed."We are very grateful that in such a short time, we managed to collect nearly RM1 million.
The DAP headquarters will issue an announcement and press statement on how the donation funds will be distributed."We launched this fundraising drive because we (DAP) have many caring and compassionate supporters who want to help. They contacted us themselves, asking how they could contribute.
"There needs to be a credible platform for them to ensure that their donations are not misused," said Nga, who is also the housing and local government minister, during the handover ceremony for the Medan Ipoh 2 Road Upgrading Project in Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh today.Previously, DAP launched an online donation fund for victims of the Putra Heights fire from April 2 to April 9.But some quarters questioned the initiative, arguing that DAP, as part of the unity government, should have mobilised government aid instead.
Commenting further, Nga said DAP's move to launch the fund demonstrated the party's commitment in maintaining a clear separation of funds to avoid the misuse of government funds for politically-linked matters."We want to ensure that our party does not misuse government allocations because government money is public money. "That's why we don't channel government project funds into party accounts, unlike 'the other side', which often does that — DAP never has.
"That's why we ensure a clear separation between party and government funds to reflect our professional approach," he said.The gas pipeline explosion and fire on April 1 caused extensive damage.Reports stated that 112 people were injured and 219 homes affected — 87 of which were destroyed — and there were other property losses, including damage to 148 vehicles.
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