Desmond Keong

Wow, I have not blogged for so many weeks. I better write one before I even forget that I have a blog.While I witnessed some people going to the US, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and even Myanmar, there is no holiday for me this year. No money, no time or scared or Tsunami? These are my excuses (or reasons?). 

The report by KPMG on the management of old National ‘Kachang’ Foundation (NKF) revealved some stunning findings. Only about 10% of the funds donated by the public went to the kidney patients. So where did the remaining 90-51 = 39% go to?

(1) Conversion of 70 days leave to pay for ex-NKF CEO: $350 000,

(2) First Class airline trip to Las Vegas to ‘gain inspirations’ on organising charity shows: >$700 000. Gain inspirations or holidays? Don’t use euphemistic terms when using public funds!

(3) Engagement of a private chauffeur + Mercedes Benz + Expenditure on corporate credit card: >$40 000 per month. Why use corporate credit card when the ex-CEO is getting over 25k/mth?

(4) Indiscriminate pay increment and gratia payment for the directors: > 6-digits figure. Which job in Singapore offers you 4 times increment per year? Only old NKF!

(5) Indiscrimate spending and contract with Forte and some other companies: 7-digit figures

and many more unlisted here!

While there is no evidence on the embezzlement or siphoning of public funds, the indiscrimate expenditure by the ex-CEO has totally breached the public trust on the old NKF. Even Mrs Goh CT was initially fooled by him too. To think that she even sided with him (and got herself into trouble) when the matter first gained public attention. In the ancient times, the ex-CEO would have been executed on the spot with all the evidence against him.

The thought of how my donation (albeit ‘peanuts’) has been lavished by the ex-CEO is enough to make me blow my top. In my frugal life, I have been scrimping even to the extent that I will prefer to walk (regardless of rain or shine) a few bus-stops just to save 64 cents (or 38 cents during transfer). When it comes to charitable organisations, I am usually quite generous in my donations. Even though I am still heavily in debt, I still dialed 1900 1126833 on a few occasions to pledge $15 donation to NKF. Now the report revealed that the organisation has severely mismanaged the public funds during Durai’s era. No wonder so many donars feel cheated!

I am now indifferent, or rather desensitisized towards charitable organizations. What I am sure is that in the near future, this perception will not change. Only time can heal my feelings.