Accountability

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is a charity organisation which sought to help subsidy ppor kidney patients who otherwise will not have money to pay for dialysis and medicine.

Initially it was a small charity that has done good and become a big, powerful effective charity. However scandals and controversies started to rock the boat.

Accountability is nil for it. As a charity, the funds, salaries are paid by the public. As the CEO Durai said in court, he liken himself to the CEOs of big listed companies, ministers of the government. Even CEOs and minsiters have to publish their salaries for accountability. NKF is funded by public money and the Government too. If ministers need to publish their salaries, why is the NKF's CEO's salary is a private issue.

NKF sought to sue Singapore Publishing House (SPH) for slander over an article and was forced to show transparency during court proceedings. The CEO, as the first defendent, was forced to reveal his salary. He earns SGD$25,000 and a total of 34 months of bonus over the past 3 years (10,12,12), earning a grand total of SGD$1.75 million for 3 years. This excludes other perks and entitlements.

NKF produces an average of 2 charity shows each year which are heavily subsidied by sponsors etc. Charity proceeds for each show averages SGD$5 million. Based on 2 shows per year, proceeds from charity shows stands at SGD$10 million, of which SGD$0.6 million goes to the CEO. This is a whooping 6% of proceeds. 6% is a small figure relatively but translated to actual figure. This is way too much.

All along, I do not support NKF, esp after the scandals start to break out and the manner of getting donations from the public.

After this whole issue, will you still support NKF? I rather you support other causes until it has finished its SGD$189 million reserve. Money for thought indeed!