I am greatly encouraged by the spirited response of the Malaysian public to the appeal for funds for tsunami victims. The overwhelming love and public sympathy speaks well of us as a caring society.

In keeping with this public show of empathy, I would like to highlight the need for public accountability through the appointment of certified public accountants and auditors to account for the funds raised and its disbursement. This is not only in keeping with transparency but also to honour those who have donated so generously with the assurance that their contributions are being managed in a trustworthy manner.

Far from casting aspersions on the integrity of those handling such funds, my concern is that public funds of any type must be publicly accounted for. This certified public audit itself serves to prevent any misuse of such funds inadvertently or otherwise.