Proposed legislation on political funding is a way forward: Upko
Published on: Tuesday, August 04, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: The proposed legislation on political funding is a way forward for the country as it reflects transparency and accountability for good governance, said United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) Komulakan Chief, Ewon Benedick "It has been suggested before. Discussions have been organised but surprisingly, opposition parties especially DAP objected to the introduction of such law. "We all want to see this nation moving forward with stronger elements of good governance and legislation on political funding is certainly a way forward," said Ewon who is Political Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry. ADVERTISEMENT "A couple of years ago, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) came out with a proposal that required all political parties to officially declare donations they have received. "The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak gave a nod to it. As a young member of Upko leadership, I supported the idea and I reiterated my support for the proposed reform to be reintroduced," he said here Monday. In this respect, Ewon said the proposal should include amendments to the Election Act to compel all political parties to declare their donors and amount received. The Upko Kota Belud Chief said countries such as the United States of America have election laws where candidates running for election are allowed to openly organise fund raising but they are required to declare the funding. "All concerned parties have been raising issues regarding political transparency and fair election. To me, it starts with the introduction of a better legislation by amending the present law to include among others the political funding. ADVERTISEMENT Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"It is like requiring members of the Cabinet to declare their assets. It would be a big question then if parties like DAP constantly object to this proposed legislation," said Ewon. "They have accused the ruling party of so many allegations but were unable to support a-way-forward law for the country," he said.