MALAYSIA
New Straits Times-MAY 31
“I am not trying to be a hero, I love my country and I want to help the new government with the national debt,” said Sabahbahti Rajalingam who touched Malaysians’ heart with a poignant letter and a donation of RM100.
The 29-year-old who initiated the crowdfunding idea to help repay the nation’s debt said he was overjoyed when he found out that the government had set up a special fund for Malaysians who wished to chip in.
“After my letter went viral, I received many calls and messages from Malaysians who wanted to donate, but I refused to accept their money,” Sabahbahti said.
“I have been looking for ways to talk to the prime minister so that I can convince him to establish a fund.
“So, when I found out about Tabung Harapan Malaysia, I felt so happy.”
Sabahbahti’s letter, which went viral on social media has inspired many others to join in. “It took me three days to prepare the letter and to look for the address to send the letter… I went to Bank Negara, but they said they couldn’t accept my money.
“Then I went to the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. It was closed but one of the officers told me that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was at Yayasan Kepimpinan Perdana.
“I went there but I could not meet him. The officers said I could send my letter there,” Sabahbahti said, adding that he has yet to receive a response.
He said he was motivated by love for the nation.
“I did this because I want to help the government. They are a new government. I want to help them because I believe the country can achieve more if we are free of debt,” he said.
“I tried to persuade my friends to contribute but some were sceptical. They said what could be done with such a small amount. But I told them ‘Sedikit demi sedikit, lama-lama menjadi bukit’. “I knew that I had to do it first. Only then will other people follow suit.”
Meanwhile, other Malaysians who participated in the crowdfunding initiative shared screengrabs of their online payments to Tabung Harapan Malaysia.
Among them was Syazwani Zulkifli who said: “(This is) for my country, for our future generation. Let us be proud again to call ourselves Malaysian.”
One, Tze Hoh who donated RM300 to the fund, posted his online payment with the caption: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
