“The party’s account books were always open to its members. Even the media can get hold of a copy.
“I don’t think any other political party presents its account statements to members during the national congress.”
Loke said this at a press conference after launching the “Support, Sympathy and Solidarity” campaign in support of Penang Chief Minister and party Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng’s “political persecution” today.
Loke said some RM1.85 million had been raised for the campaign so far. The party will go on a nationwide campaign to raise more funds between July 20 and Aug 11, which will involve 11 stops in different states.
The Rasah MP also took to task those who questioned the way the party spent the money raised, saying it was only those who did not contribute who asked such questions.
“Those who have donated have all the confidence in DAP because they have donated to the party all this while, and they do not raise concerns about how we spend the money.
“They know DAP utilises the donations for political purposes,” he said, adding that the party was also considering forming a legal aid fund to help others who have faced “political persecution” like Lim.
He said the remainder of the funds collected during the campaign, minus the million ringgit bail amount, would be channelled into the party account.
DAP National Publicity Secretary Tony Pua echoed Loke’s remarks, saying the party did not force any individual to donate to its cause and the fundraising drive was meant to merely oppose political persecution in the country.
“It is not just all about Lim. We have a fight-back plan and to do that, we need public support, especially financial.
“So we call for the public to continue donating to us, not for our own personal interests, but as part of our campaign to fight against Barisan Nasional.”