Political Funding laws may not solve corruption but will assure transparency, say experts
SHAH ALAM - Political funding bill may not deter corruption but it will assure accountability and transparency, an MP and experts say.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said corruption will likely continue in Malaysia unless more drastic measures are taken.
“Political financing from small or big companies is a form of political lobbying with a hope of some sort of consideration," he told Sinar Daily.
Recently law minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said the drafting of the political funding bill will be expedited to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in October.
In a statement, he said having the draft bill prepared as soon as possible would also enable all stakeholders to be consulted as per the timeline prepared by the Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC).
Hassan further said, the big and influential political parties will be benefited especially the ruling government.
Political analyst Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the Political Funding Bill is crucial as compared to anti-hopping laws as Malaysians and foreigners could donate money to the party without making it public.
“There is no check-and-balance here, anybody can donate and it can remain a secret as long as that particular party does not divulge the information
“It is a form of corruption and the money can be misused and our sovereignty will be at stake here as foreign organisations most probably will not be in line with our agenda.
“A law on this is crucial and as soon as possible,” he said, adding that drastic changes will take place in Malaysia’s democracy as political parties are forced to be transparent.
Meanwhile, National Council of Professors Senior Fellow Prof Jeniri Amir said the Bill will ensure accountability and transparency.
“With the implementation of the Bill, there will be no issue of misusing the funds as it’s dangerous to transfer the fund directly to the individuals.
“Secondly, it is also important to the donor to have limitations with the funds to curb any hidden agenda with huge sums of money,” he said.
Other ways to increase accountability is by having politicians who are professionals with integrity.
