PM seeks artistes' help in tackling nation's debt woes

Noel Achariam Noel Achariam Updated 7 years ago · Published on 26 Jul 2018 7:34PM · 4 Comments

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has thanked Malaysians who have contributed to Tabung Harapan Malaysia. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, July 26, 2018.

PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad hopes that local artistes can help Putrajaya tackle the country’s massive debt problem.

He said Pakatan Harapan entered the 14th general election with the aim of taking down the Barisan Nasional administration, which had incurred huge debts.

“They (previous BN government) had huge debts and were making the country bankrupt. When we took over, we never thought the problem would be as big as it is.

“If artistes can contribute in any way, we would be grateful,” he said during a high-tea event with local entertainment industry players in Putrajaya today.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had said the country’s RM1 trillion debt comprised RM686.8 billion in federal debt, RM199.1 billion in guarantees and RM201.4 billion for public-private partnership projects.

Dr Mahathir, who is also PH chairman, said there was no loyalty to the country in the previous government’s machinery.

“There was no loyalty to the country, only loyalty to BN. In order to fix the country’s situation, we need a proper administration.”

He thanked Malaysians who have contributed to Tabung Harapan Malaysia.

“If we borrow from the bank and don’t pay back, the non-performing loans will go bankrupt.

“We are grateful for even small amounts (donations to Tabung Harapan). We will be able to solve a small part of the problem.”

At the event, industry players raised several issues that they want the government to look into.

Among them are giving back to producers the 25% entertainment tax collected in each state, following the government on trade missions to promote the industry, piracy, shariah loans and amendments to copyright laws.

Dr Mahathir said he will raise all the issues in the cabinet.

“I will bring these issues to the cabinet, and they will make a decision.

“I will also try and negotiate with states on the tax, and will discuss the other issues with the finance and other ministries.” – July 26, 2018.

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Comments

  • Dr. Mahathir seems despondent?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Beside the debts problem, why no action has been taken on FELDA, MARA, BNM, Tabung Haji and many other corruption cases so far. The rakyat are getting restless.

    Posted 7 years ago by Jackal Way · Reply

    • Prioritize my friend.....let's stop the bleeding and then cure the sickness....

      Posted 7 years ago by Malaysians' Malaysia · Reply

  • Artis boleh buat Konsert Jelajah Malaysia, macam Mahathir masa dia jahat2 dulu buat Jelajah Semarak...tapi kali ni dah insaf takpe. Konsert Jelajah boleh kutip duit untuk Tabung lah. Apa salahnya sumbangkan suara, rakyat sumbang duit. Kalau Abang Sudir masih ada, pasti dia yang pertama setuju.

    Posted 7 years ago by Ju bur · Reply