TABUNG Harapan was set up to prevent fraud, Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming said to criticism of Putrajaya’s move to let the public contribute to paying the country’s debt.

“People were already crowdfunding for this. It’s much better if the government provides an official channel for these contribution.

“If not, there will be many causes of fundraising frauds out there,” tweeted Ong, who is on Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s transition team and is working without pay.

Putrajaya yesterday announced the trust fund for Malaysians to donate towards the national debt, which has been revealed as RM1 trillion.

The move followed suggestions made on social media amidst euphoria after Pakatan Harapan’s win at the May 9 polls to form the federal government.

Ong acknowledged the patriotism of these Malaysians and said critics need not run down those who wanted to contribute to the fund.

“Many Malaysians want to contribute to the building of a new Malaysia. We should let them express their enthusiasm in a tangible manner.

“If you don’t like the idea, it’s fine. Don’t contribute to the tabung. I don’t think anyone will hold it against you. But you also don’t need to criticise others who want to contribute to it,” he said. – May 31, 2018.