Keep the donation momentum going<\/p>\n
V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia<\/p>\n
As expected, Malaysians have responded magnificently to
\nappeals to raise money for the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami
\ndisaster. In a matter of days, they have donated millions of
\nringgit.<\/p>\n
As usual, the mainstream media, without any prompting, set up
\ntheir own funds to collect money to help the family members of
\nthose who were killed or injured.<\/p>\n
It has in fact become a sort of culture for the media to play
\na prominent role in such campaigns. It was almost second nature
\nfor them to use their organizations as the rallying points for
\nsuch purposes.<\/p>\n
The response, as expected, was tremendous as Malaysians from
\nall walks of life, from corporations to individuals, never
\nhesitated to do their bit. The people have never failed to donate
\nand they have demonstrated this kindness over the years.<\/p>\n
They have contributed tens of millions to help foreign victims
\nof famines or disasters even though they might have been caused
\nby their own politicians who seemed bent on destroying their
\nopponents without any regard for the suffering of their peoples.<\/p>\n
When such a disaster happened so close to home, we would
\nexpect them to rise to the occasion and they had so far not been
\na disappointment.<\/p>\n
The government too was quick to come to the aid of the victims
\nby providing a special compassionate allowance based on their
\nrequirements and circumstances.<\/p>\n
Obviously, the government cannot carry out this task alone and
\nneeds public help to do so. The government has pointed out that
\nits cash contribution was a one-off payment and that there would
\nbe no compensation.<\/p>\n
This is where the media, non-governmental organizations,
\ncorporations and individuals can come in to relieve the suffering
\nof the victims.<\/p>\n
While we mourn for the dead, we also need to help the
\nsurvivors so that they will be able to overcome their present
\ndifficulties. They will need lots of financial assistance to get
\non their feet again.<\/p>\n
It has been estimated that the losses would amount to RM100
\nmillion. This is only an estimate and the final figure could be
\nhigher.<\/p>\n
The public will have to meet the shortfall and based on the
\ndonations so far, it is likely that donations could meet this
\nfigure halfway. Therefore, it is important for the public to
\ncontinue donating money.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/keep-the-donation-momentum-going-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}