FIVE non-governmental organisations (NGOs) participating in the Bangkit Sabahan 2.0 Peaceful Assembly urged the Federal Government to expedite the drafting and implementation of a Malaysian Political Funding Act to strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability in the country’s political system.
The NGOs referred to the recent Albert Tei Mineral Cartel case in Sabah as evidence of the urgent need for a Political Funding Act to safeguard the integrity and transparency of Malaysia’s political system.
The call in a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was handed to his representative during the gathering, Saturday.
It was jointly signed by Persatuan Pemangkin Komuniti Sabah (PKOMS) President Terence Sinti, Persatuan Pemangkin Wanita Sabah (PWS) President Julianah Ekong @ Ekang, Penaung Pertubuhan Gerakan Kebajikan Anak Sabah (Gerkas) Patron Mohd Gerseyrey Mulok, Pertubuhan Amal Semangat Rumpun Sabah Chairman Mohamad Rafly Karim and Persatuan Inovasi Masyarakat Sabah Advisor Lee Fook Lim.
The NGOs said inadequately regulated political financing could lead to conflicts of interest, abuse of power and perceptions of corruption in public administration.
They noted that Malaysia still lacks comprehensive legislation governing the receipt, use and disclosure of political funds by political parties and election candidates.
They held that the absence of a clear legal framework could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and the electoral process.
In this regard, the organisations outlined six key demands to the Federal Government.
Their first is the immediate enactment of a Political Funding Act through the tabling of a Political Funding Bill in Parliament within a reasonable timeframe to ensure transparency in political financing.
Secondly, mandatory disclosure of political contributions, requiring all political parties and election candidates to declare sources of donations exceeding a threshold prescribed by law.
Thirdly, a prohibition on funds originating from illegal sources, including criminal activities, money laundering and foreign entities that could influence the nation’s sovereignty.
They also urged the Government to establish limits on political donations from individuals and companies to prevent disproportionate influence over the political process.
In addition, the memorandum called for the establishment of an independent oversight body with powers to investigate, audit and enforce compliance with the proposed Political Funding Act.
The sixth is the imposition of strict penalties, fines and legal action against any party found to have violated the provisions of the legislation.
According to the memorandum, the implementation of a Political Funding Act would be a significant step towards strengthening the integrity of democratic institutions, enhancing public confidence in the Government and reducing the risk of corruption and abuse of power.
Copies of the memorandum were also submitted to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Election Commission (EC) and the Parliamentary Select Committee.
