'You are the government': DAP under fire over donation drive for Putra Heights inferno victims

An online fundraising campaign by DAP for victims of the massive fire in Putra Heights has drawn public ire, even as criticism continues over the preliminary financial aid announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim which led to social media users comparing it to the government's spending on everything from patriotic school badges to official trips.

In its social media post, DAP announced a week-long online fundraising campaign until April 8, saying the money will be distributed to victims "based on the official damage categories".

"This donation is in addition to the assistance announced by the government," the ruling party said, accompanied with details of DAP's Maybank bank account.

Many felt it was an "insult to intelligence" that a party that dominates the ruling coalition would resort to public donations when it could get the government to help the victims.

"Government asking donations from the public? Donated millions to help other countries but to your own nation you are asking for donations instead," said Edmund Chong.

Logan Sivanasen said the fundraising was "uncalled for" given the fact that the government collects "multiple taxes"..

"Buck up and deliver, enough said. Please don’t insult our intelligence," he wrote.

Sok Lean Koh reminded DAP that it is part of the government: "Getting used to being a beggar, forgetting that I am already a government."

With 40 MPs, DAP is not only the largest party in Pakatan Harapan, but also has the largest parliamentary share in the ruling federal coalition that includes Barisan Nasional.

The gas pipeline fire that broke out in Putra Heights on April 1,injured more than 100 people and forced more than 500 residents to evacuate, most of whom had their homes and vehicles damaged.

Police said 235 premises and some 400 vehicles were affected by the fire.

Meanwhile, Phlip Leong drew attention to the fate of the villages near the site of the disaster. "Please help those villagers who were taking shelter by the river side and some even swam across to Jalan Jurutera."

Earlier, DAP's Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin was also widely criticised for announcing a RM1,000 aid to families from nearby villages affected by the fire.

Yeo said the money would be distributed by her constituency office to families from Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru and Kampung Tengah who suffered "total loss" of property, but many said the amount was paltry.

One comment said: "Whole house vs 1000".

Yeo's supporters immediately came to her defence, with many commenting on accounts believed to be run by political cybertroopers.

"Belajar bersyukur (learn to be grateful)," read one comment on YouTube using the handle @xpnrc.

"RM1000? This is a joke. Our government spends millions on football. But contribute only RM1000 per family. At least 10k lah," said another comment.

It got an immediate response from a DAP supporter, @morbid747, who said Yeo was not to blame for the fire.

"This is not compensation. The MP not responsible for the explosion and it's charity."

Yeo is married to prominent businessman Lee Yeow Seng, who is also the CEO of IOI Properties Group Bhd.

Her father-in-law, the late Lee Shin Cheng, was the founder of IOI Group Bhd, one of Malaysia's biggest conglomerates.

This is not the first time that Yeo or DAP have been criticised for public fundraising.

Barely a month after becoming part of the federal government following the 2022 general election, the party launched an online fundraising campaign to help Yeo and former MP Tony Pua pay RM350,000 in damages after they were found guilty of defaming former MCA deputy minister Chew Mei Fun.

Similarly, DAP's Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng had also resorted to public donations to settle a RM2 million payment to MonSpace (M) Sdn Bhd following a defamation suit, raising a staggering RM2.25 million.