Yes, I have been blessed with wonderful friends.
But everyone has their limits.
My beautiful friends are no different.
Since January, this year, ABU has operated from a secretariat with one full-time co-ordinator.
In June, I sms’d a group of friends to say I could no longer afford to sustain the operational cost of the ABU secretariat and that if each would commit RM100 a month, the burden of maintaining the secretariat would be spread and it could continue.
So typical of them, many rallied to the call and today, the operational cost of the secretariat and the one co-ordinator are borne by many.
Yesterday, I sms’d those same friends again, to help out with the cost of the recently launched media war against UMNO / BN.
The adhesive stickers.
The Mengapa Harga Barang Naik? pamphlets.
They cost money.
Lots of money.
The message to the military and the police personnel is almost done.
This will cost, too.
There are many more initiatives in the pipeline that I cannot say too much about just now.
These will cost, too.
Many of the friends I sms’d yesterday responded with their usual generosity and support.
However, many have also not responded.
I do not fault them.
It’s unfair that I keep knocking on their doors all the time with my begging bowl.
Many of you, both at home and overseas, have sent comments here and emailed me to ask how you can contribute to the ABU cause.
And I know many more want to help with the cost of this war we have taken on to free this nation from UMNO / BN.
Here’s the problem we face.
Dedicating a local bank account number for you to send in contributions seems the most sensible means to get in funds for ABU.
Problem is, the account will immediately be frozen by the banks on the instructions of UMNO / BN, with accusations of money laundering etc, etc.
When ABU was launched in December, last year, I had asked my friend in Manchester to help in setting up an overseas account with trustees, so that even the Malaysian diaspora could help out with funding, but then I resigned as MCLM prez in January, and nothing has come of it since.
Can something be done?
An overseas account with, say, 3 trustees?
Maybe ABU-UK cn be set up as a society ( I understand that the laws in UK do not require registration of a society. Such was the case with MCLM ), a bank account then opened in the name of ABU-UK with 3 trustees to oversee the funds, and this account then used to collect funds for ABU at home?
Could this be done?
Any other ideas?
Please help.
Please.
baronvonchesto
August 3, 2012
I would be happy to help set up an account if I was still living in the UK. Rest assured that as soon as it is Ill be sending 50 pounds over!
God bless, bro
Shawn Tan
August 3, 2012
I dun think it’ll be a problem for you to get donations for this initiative. Just need to set up the right channel. Micro-payments is the way to go.
How about using Paypal or similar services to collect donations?
PS: Don’t stick all of it in one basket either. Spread out the channels for contributions.
Shawn Tan,
You know how to contact me. Help me get the paypal going?
DendangPerantauUSA
August 3, 2012
I was told by my local banker in the USA that it is harder because of the governmental extra vigilance against terrorism – anything from outside of the USA is automatically lumped together into so-called suspects. The banks are required to notify FBI/other federal agencies and the primary person has to go through various screening procedures.
Sorry, I can’t be of much help but I tried.
MR
August 3, 2012
Hi Harris,
For long term solution I don’t have but I can suggest that any incoming printing bills or expenses be publish without details of printer.
By then, anyone of us or group of us can pick up the bill then can contact you personally and request for the payee details so they can send the payment.
Lastly, I hope a long term solutions can be arrange so our fight can be more focused.
MR
Manila, Ph.
P Kler
August 3, 2012
I have no knowledge of trusts and the difficulties to set one up here in Australia. It seems unnecessarily complicated to me. A supporter could simply set up an account to collect money as an individual. The interest rate is so ridiculously low that the tax on interest payable by the account holder would be miniscule. Thus, it will not be financially burdensome for the individual.
Also, I would also think the govt could not stop someone (e.g yourself or a nominated person) to receive Western Union transfers-it is simply funds sent by others to yourself. Then there are no accounts to freeze. The charges should also be less than that imposed by the banks for an international transfer and hence not particularly imposing for an individual donor.
P Kler,
I like your idea about Western Union. Will float it for consideration.
Thanks and God bless
lizziewong
August 3, 2012
Western union bank charges may be high? I send my maid money home is RM17 per transaction. Collection of money is by way of the transaction code, once leaked, so will the money..
Opening an account in singapore is easy. Just show your IC you can open an account, complete with ATM card on the spot.
Simon
August 3, 2012
Hi Harris,
Just give us an address and we will send cash over to your place. No problems.
Or you could always pop across the border to Singapore to open an account there. I heard from friends that it is very easy to get a personal account opened now with no questions asked, even for foreigners.
Dan
August 3, 2012
Simon,
No it’s not true that foreigner can simply open account.
But if you are opening a privilege banking account or priority banking account, depending on how that particular bank name it, then yes, anyone can, with no question asked, as long as you start with initial deposit of 300k or 200k, again depending on the bank.
lizziewong
August 3, 2012
Harris,
I wanted to help, but I look thru your webpage and did not detact a valid Malaysian bank account. Please provide the details, I will send in some money next week.
lizzie,
Thank you and God bless
KK
August 3, 2012
Hi Haris, consider passing the hat around whenever there is a function organised by SABM/ABU Movement, DAP have been doing this successfully.
Tbk
August 3, 2012
Harris, I transferred money to help Tony Pua when he lost the suit by Syabas. It can be done. Just like Suaram. Or just give us your personal bank account.
KK
August 3, 2012
Please also consider organsing fund raising dinners.
shakuntala
August 3, 2012
How about using SABM’s………..only a thought.
Crankshaft
August 4, 2012
No. SABM are non-partisan. ABU is very obviously partisan.
Jeyan
August 3, 2012
I do not know about the financial laws and regulations in this country or UK. But if people who know can give u good advise on how to set it up , I definitely want to contribute if u give the details.
Umran
August 3, 2012
Uncle Sam,
Let me know what I can do to help.
Taikohtai
August 3, 2012
Love to help. Just get Paypal running and something’s on its way.
Middle path
August 3, 2012
Just get down to singapore to open an account with DBS and get it on.
OR
Take cash from malaysian first rather than wait till the cows come home.
Zul Mohd
August 3, 2012
Bro,
setting up a paypal account is as simple as Air Batu Kacang. Just click the following link to sign up, then walla… you are there:
https://www.paypal.com/my/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=FMY8aezGkzvCF–yqQhDinHNN5WpGHNMUI8Qxvz8sONWWWvYU81uNF85XJa&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d7283e7f0184a5674430f290db9e9c846
but i guess the contributors would need to have a paypal account too. Let us know once its done. cant wait to contribute.
zul mohd
JW
August 7, 2012
Since setting up a Paypal account is as simple as ABC…then what’s the problem with contributors needing to have a Paypal account too ? I too recently got myself a Paypal a/c….so easy ! and I would definitely contribute via Paypal.
Give a few options for contributors to choose from. I think a few accounts, including Paypal can be set up to make it easy and simple for contributors to send the much needed funds.
mohd
August 3, 2012
abang harris, buka saja a/c mbb, tak da hal punya la. senang dah mudah M2U.saya nak donate sikit and will help promote it through FB and blogs.cepat2 sikit, nak pru dah ni
Emeric
August 3, 2012
Dear Harris,
I have friends in Singapore who are working in the banking line and are interested in helping. Let me know if you have any queries so I can forward to them and get some useful answers if you’re willing to consider an account in Singapore.
shakuntala
August 3, 2012
Haris, you are not losing real friends, you are gaining friends….
Just look at the support you’re getting…….saints do come marching in!!!!.
Yes the Singapore idea is great….no corruption, hehehe
billy
August 3, 2012
I can send money into your personal account Just give the no.
KTWong87
August 3, 2012
I am not able to contribute in terms of how to set up the channels through which to get the funds flowing in tohelp with the ABU initiative.
But I shall contribute some money once you post the details of how I can get it through to you.
Aiyah, if you can find a convenient and secure hole in some old tree nearby, I will be happy to drop some cash into it.
Let us know how, and some idea of how much is needed.
Ling
August 3, 2012
I have no financial nouse so I can’t help in this aspect, but I’m willing to donate money when something is set up. I’ll by paying in sterling as I live in the UK.
rajan
August 3, 2012
Harris ,
Just open up a savings/current account in any bank and start “”selling””” SABM /ABU posters or a poster of the late tunku turning in his grave asking for “CHANGE”for a fixed sum/poster like an e-biz mode. If need be,just register a $2 co and carry on.
No need for trustees for the time being. Willing buyer-willing seller basis and use the proceeds to fund ABU bin TUKAR’s education.Also try to secure retired people/ bersih aunty to do the posting as their contribution for ABU bin TUKAR’s education instead of staying at home and getting an earful/bashed up by their wives/husbands.
Count me in.
MichaelC
August 3, 2012
Will help out monetarily with what I can afford, being retired….
I cant help out with feedback on the technicalities though, as I am unfamiliar with yr set-up and status, as well as with the banking regulations
When that is resolved by you, just post your bank account (or whatever other channel) details, and I will transmit….
TQVM for what you are doing, am attempting to do…..
Taipan
August 3, 2012
Haris,
Get the Paypal account going and you have the world at your feet! Paypal does have an office in Singapore which you can look up. Look into other viable options as well for those who do not have a Paypal A/C and for the local contributions to come in. The funds must be there for you to get going with ABU. I am willing to do some leg works around my neighborhoods to get their supports and contributions. Let me have the details.
Hawkeye Jack
August 4, 2012
The point here is about the setting up an account so that funds could be easily collected where supporters of the cause could just transfer money to this account either through bank transfer, western union, pay pal or even by credit cards and etc.
It is quite obvious that Haris is not comfortable with a local Malaysian bank account as UMNO/BN could track the account or even at a later date freeze the account and the unnecessary hassle of an investigation by the authorities for whatever charges concocted, taking up lengthy time and maybe court battles with the authorities, which has been an old method used by umno/BN.
And as such, the plea here is to first request for the assistance of trustees from overseas Malaysian who could easily set up an ABU fund bank account overseas and to hold the funds to be used as required.
So, can you guys support this by contacting your friends overseas to become trustees of ABU.
The ABU’s engine room needs petrol and will need high octane petrol to drive it hard and fast to Putrajaya reclaiming it back for the Rakyat.
marie
August 4, 2012
Haris,
I will like to help you in any way. We have met once, over dinner at my humble abode over some xo with zorro.
I can certainly do admin work.
marie,
I remember the occasion and the meal.
Will keep you posted if we need help on the admin side
storm
August 4, 2012
hey harris,
You have a lot of support out there….please fight on…
Can you just email me the a/c and i will contribute…
thanks..and god bless you.
marie
August 4, 2012
Hi haris,
If you need funds urgently, why dnt you email to us your personal account and we would then be able to send some funds for the time being. You know our email.
And I would love to meet up again over a nice home cooked meal.
You have initiated ABU, you shouldn’t dig anymore into your pocket, bro.
So email to us personally, your bank account as a temporary measure.
I hope those reading this would keep the bank account in confidence.
Hope to meet you in the future.
Cheers.
Antares
August 4, 2012
Know zip about banking matters but I’m ready with humble cash support. Just set something up and give us the signal!
Malaysian Wannabe Again
August 4, 2012
Rallying friends down under for your cause. Will send funds ASAP.
Another Anak Bangsa Malaysia
August 4, 2012
Haris,
Just take your time and set up something you are comfortable working with.
In the meantime ….
I have money in hand and waiting… waiting …. waiting ….
🙂
And oh yes, before I forget, more power to you, Haris Ibrahim.
shakuntala
August 4, 2012
Nothing is confidential these days……………that’s the way it is.
Simply use discretion and take care. The rest leave to God’s compassion which never fails.
So then, march on ABU ,with hearts resolved………. to Victory!!!!!
shakuntala
August 4, 2012
Danke schoen CRANKSHAFT…. and hi…!!!!
Thought silly there…..shame shaks.
Ng Kim Oon
August 4, 2012
Dear Haris,
Just give your personal AC, I will bank in 4 u.
Farida
August 4, 2012
Say what you need done, Haris, in terms of …. I’m just a call away.
Rusty Hammer
August 4, 2012
Hi Haris,
Ever ready to contribute to the cause.
Let us know once the banking details are ironed out.
orangkampung
August 5, 2012
Hi Haris,
Please ask DAP Tony Pua how they set up an account where Rakyat contributed to Tony Pua’s legal cost recently. I contributed to him via credit card! So easy.
The bangsat UMNO/BN didn’t close down their account. So, go ask DAP…..I am sure they will show you the way.
I will definitely contribute to your ABU cause.
Thank you for what you have done.
sampalee
August 5, 2012
All the component parties should bear the cost as they are the beneficiary of the movement.
temenggong
August 5, 2012
Post your bank account or any account number. You word is good enough.
wandererAUS
August 6, 2012
Haris, “You got a friend”. Just let me know how I can remit my contribution.
This is what friends are for.
wandererAUS
August 6, 2012
Yes, pay with credit card, maybe is the best solution.
baronvonchesto
August 6, 2012
I dont recommend going for paypal. They are known to kowtow to repressive government’s requests to freeze the accounts. Paypal happily complies as when they freeze your account they basically never give the money back.
Google checkout or other e-wallet solutions may be better. There are many e-wallet solutions out there. Some even accept paypal deposits. I think that would be safer. Also as messy as it is I would recommend setting up e-wallets or bank accounts in GBP, AUD and Canadian Dollars, or maybe even HKD.
Voter Wan Abdullah
August 7, 2012
Haris….just give me ur personal account & I will donate RM 500 to ABU thru you. Contact me at F.book
A Concerned Citizen
August 7, 2012
paypal also charges very high commission rate for the transactions
Voter Wan Abdullah
August 7, 2012
Every one can bank in his personal account which I did just now BUT you must ask for his account. God bless Haris & team ABU.
HabibunnisahNisahibrahim i
August 8, 2012
Yes I agree with voter wan Abdullah…… We bank into haris’s personal acc. Easier. Account number plse.
Bro,
Please check your email
kiawin
August 9, 2012
Dear Haris,
Though my contribution may be much, I hope it moves ABU one small step further. Do pass me the acc. no🙂
Hi,
Please check your email
Edward Goh
August 9, 2012
Always support a good cause. Will contribute towards what you are doing. Please let me have the account no. Keep your good work going to save our country!
Hi Edward,
Please check your email
Voter Wan Abdullah
August 14, 2012
We ALL shld raise funds for noble causes i.e ABU , Bersih etc etc. Instead of a round of drinks with buddies..skip 1 round & donate tat money or even collect more on that day. Or give up a packet of cigi or an outing of an expensive meals & donate to ABU. It feels good to donate…really it feels great to contribute.
Nunukragang
August 18, 2012
Hi Haris, Please email me your account no:-).
And Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri from land below the wind.
Bro,
Please check your email