We’ve been hearing loads of stories about Malaysians from all walks of life making generous donations to the Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM) fund to help ease the nation’s debt. In fact, donations have been pouring in so quickly, that they have now reportedly collected nearly RM90 million within just one month of its inception!
Source: Ministry of Finance
Among the many donors, one of them caught the attention of Malaysian netizens, and it was 12-year-old Ervin Devadason who had initially been saving for the past 8 months so he could buy his dream drum set, but decided to donate his savings to THM instead.
According to the New Straits Times, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leader Latheefa Koya took to Twitter to address this donation that has been making headlines everywhere.
In her tweet, she expressed that THM was a politically motivated fund and that getting a child to donate 8 months’ worth of his savings was “a pretty cheap stunt”. Other netizens also shared similar sentiments, saying that the government went too far and should have rejected his donation.
Tabung Harapan is a politically charged fund. So to get a 12 year old to handover his piggy bank is ridiculous and a pretty cheap stunt. #startgoverning #enoughofgimmicks
— Latheefa Koya (@LatheefaKoya) June 20, 2018
Ya i think that went a little too far – they should have politely declined the poor boy's hard earned savings.
— Lim Wei Jiet (@limweijiet) June 20, 2018
True. The boy should have save it for his future. At least he wouldn't have to borrow from PTPTN to further his study and struggle through out his career to pay the debt + interest. ?
— Rabiatul Nabila (@NabilaRab87) June 20, 2018
In response to Latheefa’s tweet, Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh took to Facebook to explain why they accepted the donation. According to her post, Ervin had actually read about THM in the news and wanted to make a donation.
His father then contacted Hannah Yeoh, who then invited him to meet with her and Lim Kit Siang at her office yesterday (20th June). She emphasised that despite telling Ervin to keep his savings, the young boy insisted on donating the money he had spent 8 months saving, saying that Malaysia was in need.
Hannah Yeoh then addressed those who disapproved of the child’s donation, saying that we should allow the youth to express themselves however they want to and support their noble causes.
This little boy Ervin is 12 years old (but taller than me!). He has been reading the news about Tabung Harapan Malaysia….
Posted by Hannah Yeoh on Wednesday, June 20, 2018
In light of the Segambut MP’s statement, a number of netizens still did not agree with accepting the young boy’s donation as they said he should have instead kept his savings for his education. However, a good amount of Malaysians also supported the move, saying that the young boy should have the freedom to donate.
The issue is about governance.
How many more feel good stories & PCs of generous poor/ middle class Msians donating to the Tabung?
PH has won, so let's govern & get on with it. https://t.co/b9eEkwHfi4
— Eric Paulsen (@EricPaulsen101) June 20, 2018
@hannahyeoh i beg to differ, yes it's okay to let them donate but i personally think it's more better for the kids to use their money for their college funds. our kids are our future. https://t.co/aUo4Mt0uD7
— Ed (@gigglesmoked) June 20, 2018
Why should the boy's contribution be refused? He wants to do his part, so let him do it. It's a sense of pride to help no matter what the amount. It is his decision, so accept it.
— Raja Kumar (@rkrajashiv) June 21, 2018
Are we actually faulting some boy who gave his savings to donate to tabung harapan and the people who receive it?
Cause – it's his perogative. We shouldn't shit on good will. And it's not like he is giving his damn education money. Drum set kot.
— Naya Ahmad (@cassiejue) June 21, 2018
What do you think? Should the government have turned down his donation or should the boy be free to donate his money? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: 12yo Boy Sacrifices Drum Set He Wanted, Donates 8 Months’ Savings to Tabung Harapan
