Keep the donation momentum going

Keep the donation momentum going

V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia

As expected, Malaysians have responded magnificently to
appeals to raise money for the victims of the Dec. 26 tsunami
disaster. In a matter of days, they have donated millions of
ringgit.

As usual, the mainstream media, without any prompting, set up
their own funds to collect money to help the family members of
those who were killed or injured.

It has in fact become a sort of culture for the media to play
a prominent role in such campaigns. It was almost second nature
for them to use their organizations as the rallying points for
such purposes.

The response, as expected, was tremendous as Malaysians from
all walks of life, from corporations to individuals, never
hesitated to do their bit. The people have never failed to donate
and they have demonstrated this kindness over the years.

They have contributed tens of millions to help foreign victims
of famines or disasters even though they might have been caused
by their own politicians who seemed bent on destroying their
opponents without any regard for the suffering of their peoples.

When such a disaster happened so close to home, we would
expect them to rise to the occasion and they had so far not been
a disappointment.

The government too was quick to come to the aid of the victims
by providing a special compassionate allowance based on their
requirements and circumstances.

Obviously, the government cannot carry out this task alone and
needs public help to do so. The government has pointed out that
its cash contribution was a one-off payment and that there would
be no compensation.

This is where the media, non-governmental organizations,
corporations and individuals can come in to relieve the suffering
of the victims.

While we mourn for the dead, we also need to help the
survivors so that they will be able to overcome their present
difficulties. They will need lots of financial assistance to get
on their feet again.

It has been estimated that the losses would amount to RM100
million. This is only an estimate and the final figure could be
higher.

The public will have to meet the shortfall and based on the
donations so far, it is likely that donations could meet this
figure halfway. Therefore, it is important for the public to
continue donating money.