Harapan fundraising dinner raises RM2.89m

Pakatan Harapan raised a total of RM2.889 million for the coalition at its fundraising dinner tonight.

It first collected RM1.665 million through the sale of tables for the dinner.

Its president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, in announcing this during her welcoming speech at the event at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), said the amount was accumulated from a total of 156 tables sold.

Thanking contributors for making the event possible, she said Harapan chose to organise a fundraising event as it wanted to end old practices in political financing, while at the same time ensure that activities of its component parties can continue smoothly for the benefits of the rakyat.

"All are well aware that this charity dinner is organised to raise funds transparently and with integrity, straight into the bank account of Harapan.

"We want to make sure that Harapan’s commitment towards not using government funds for political activities can be fulfilled,” she said.

"At the same time, we also want all activities of Harapan component parties to be able to continue smoothly for the rakyat's benefits.

"We want to put an end to old ways (cara lapuk) when it comes to political financing practices. And thus, we organise this dinner in an open manner for the public," she added.

Wan Azizah, who is the chairperson of the event's committee, had previously announced that Harapan would be selling a total of 177 tables to raise party funds, with prices for a table starting at RM2,000.

The tables had been classified as diamond, gold, silver and bronze.

According to Wan Azizah, 22 gold tables were priced at RM7,000 each, 52 silver ones at RM5,000 each, and 71 bronze tables at RM2,000 each.

Six photographs auctioned

In addition, the charity dinner tonight also saw photographs of its top leaders being auctioned off for a total sum of RM1.22 million.

A photograph of top Harapan leaders taken just before they had their first press conference after winning the 14th general election received the highest overall winning bid of RM500,000.

It was won by Gan Yee Hin, the executive director of Platinum Victory Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's solo portrait (photo) received the highest winning bid for individual portraits, with business tycoon Stanley Thai purchasing it for RM350,000.

Businessperson Deepak Jaikishan, meanwhile, secured Wan Azizah's portrait with a bid of RM150,000.

Earlier, the first round of the auction attracted RM110,000 for Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin's photograph.

The autographed photo was won by Alex Chen from Kajang. 

A photograph of DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng together with his father and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang was won by "Mr Hwang" from China after he placed a RM100,000 bid.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu's photograph was sold to one Salahuddin from Pahang for RM10,000.