KUALA LUMPUR: All non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foundations which receive donations and contributions in the form of cash from the public need to have in place accountability, transparency, integrity and governance in managing such funds.
This includes preparing the necessary annual reports involving the receipt and expense from such donations as well as posting such details on their websites, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
She said this would ensure that the funds are channeled to the target groups.
In line with this, Dr Wan Azizah who is also the Woman, Family and Community Development Minister called on the management of Malay daily Harian Metro to publish the list of the donors and aid recipients.
She said such a list could be published every three or six months in the tabloid newspaper to ensure transparency.
“Harian Metro has taken a step forward by establishing the aid fund.
“You are thus not only reporting but also providing aid and assistance to those in need.
“The ministry welcomes such initiatives as we are aware that the efforts provided by the government would be insufficient in giving the necessary aid to those who require it.
“The aid and cooperation from the private sector, NGOs and ablebodied members of the community are essential to contributing the aid.”
Dr Wan Aziziah said this at the launch of Bantuan Metro Prihatin at Balai Berita, here, today.
Present was the chairman of Media Prima Bhd (MPB), Datuk Syed Hussian Aljunid; MPB managing director Datuk Kamal Khalid, NSTP chairman Tan Sri Ismail Omar; chairman of the MPB-NSTP Humanitarian Fund board of trustees Tan Sri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan; MPB-NSTP Humanitarian Fund board of trustee member Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong and Harian Metro group editor Tuan Mohammad Asri Tuan Hussein.
Dr Wan Azizah said to further encourage the private sector to boost their corporate social responsibility efforts, the government has increased the donation reporting threshold from RM5,000 to RM10,000 under subsection 44 (6) of the Income Tax Act 1967.
“From 2020, this amount will be increased to RM20,000.
“I hope this will motivate all of us to help those in need,“ she said.
In praising the New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd group (NSTP) for the launch of the fund through Harian Metro, she said such an act by the company would go towards cultivating the culture of charity among Malaysians.
Dr Wan Azizah said she was made to understand that the establishment of the fund was aimed, among others, at collecting financial aid and channeling it to the less fortunate, including chronically-ill patients requiring funds for treatment.
She said she was confident that the launch of the fund was done by taking into account various important factors, including ensuring that the aid applicants were genuinely eligible for the aid, as well as transparency in regards to the receipt and distribution of such funds.
“This matter is important in enhancing the effectiveness of the aid provided to those who are less fortunate as well as ensuring that there is no leakage by adhering to the rules and regulations in the financial management of the charity funds.
“We want each and every sen donated to reach eligible recipients and be used for a worthy cause.
“To ensure holistic well-being across ethnic, religious, cultural, gender and political as well as geographical boundaries, we must ensure that each and every individual, families and communities enjoy basic needs such as food, education, clothing and shelter,” Dr Wan Azizah said.
She assured that the government was committed to implementing its pledges to reduce the burden faced by Malaysians, especially involving those in the ministry’s target group of single mothers, children, disabled group, senior citizens, families, poor, homeless as well as disaster victims.
“As an example, the Welfare Department has also implemented the ‘2 Years Exit Programme (2YEP)’ begining 2016 to improve the standard of living of welfare recipients.
“This enable to be self-reliant through the learning of survival skills so that they are not dependent on government assistance,” she said.