malaysia

Save Malaysia Movement to crowdfund, won’t accept money from tycoons, says Zaid

March 10, 2016

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim says if the Save Malaysia Movement is funded by tycoons, it will lead to corruption. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, March 10, 2016.The Save Malaysia Movement will seek funds from the people to support its activities, as it might be problematic to take money from businessmen.

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, a member of the movement, said it would adopt the crowdfunding approach and not look for financial help from tycoons.

“We will not look for financial help from the tycoons and the Jho Lows of the world for the simple reason that seeking ‘help’ from businessmen in exchange for favours is the root cause of systemic corruption.

“Either we go the route of the Jho Lows or we seek support from ordinary people to fund the political future of the country,” he said in his blog The Zaidgeist today, referring to businessman Low Taek Jho, who has been linked to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal and who is close to the family of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“We will never exchange financial support for favours. The seed of corruption is planted when politicians receive money from businessmen. This vicious cycle must stop.”

He said the question was whether the people would be willing to “own up and reclaim this country from the oligarchs”.

“We must give the people the chance to contribute (to) the struggle for a better Malaysia.

“I call on the people of Malaysia to make a small personal commitment, even RM10, to show that they care about our collective future.”

The movement, helmed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is aimed at “saving the country” from “systemic corruption” and removing Najib, whose administration has been tainted by his alleged involvement in financial scandals.

Zaid also said the movement would not evaporate as claimed by Umno leaders.

“The movement can help stop the looming retrenchments. It can help ensure that our workers have decent jobs and are paid fairly. Gerakan Selamatkan Malaysia can also stop the influx of more cheap foreign labour.

“Our movement seeks to restore democracy and good governance. Malaysia will once again be governed by just laws that are implemented fairly by enforcement agencies, such as the police that take care of all citizens and not just those who support the incumbent prime minister.”

Dr Mahathir last Friday initiated the Citizens’ Declaration, signed by some Umno leaders who no longer supported Najib, and leaders from opposition parties and civil groups.

The group involved is being renamed the Save Malaysia Movement, which is now targeting a million Malaysians in various states to sign a petition calling for Najib’s removal. – March 10, 2016.