External audit firm to be appointed to ensure transparency.
Donations to Tabung Harapan Malaysia will solely be utilised to settle government debts, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.
“We won’t use it for any other purpose. It is not allowed.
“If it is not enough, obviously the government will top up. For instance, if we want to pay an instalment of about RM200 million, and as of now (June 8) the Tabung Harapan has RM50 million. So, the government will come up with the remaining sum,” he told Bernama in an interview.
On criticism by PAS that the party did not resort to such measures despite the debts it had in Kelantan, Lim said: “I don’t know whether PAS has the right to talk about economic management.
“If they did not borrow from the Federal Government, they will not be able to even pay the salaries of state government employees. So, I think PAS should put its house in order first. (You need to) look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself truthfully,” he said.
The fund, which was launched on May 30, stood at RM54.89mil, as of June 9.
The Finance Minister said the Government will appoint an external audit firm to ensure transparency.
“Some quarters have suggested that we look for an external audit firm which will provide the service for free. I like this and I totally support (the idea). We have to look for an audit firm which will offer their services for free. We will be humbled by their gesture and thank them profusely,” he quipped.