G25: Ban foreign political donations

Retired civil servants set out proposals to protect election system from big money

KUALA LUMPUR: The G25 group of retired civil servants has urged that political parties be banned from accepting donations from foreigners as part of moves to reform political funding.

Responding to government moves for transparency in funding, the G25 raised public concerns about the motives behind donations from companies, business leaders and foreigners.

Wealthy and powerful foreign sources might seek to shape Malaysia’s policies for their own benefit, they said.

“If donors are companies and powerful corporate individuals, there is always the suspicion that their donations are linked to cronyism, favouritism and worse, corruption. If the donors are foreign, there is a question whether they have a sinister agenda in getting involved in our politics,” the group said in a statement.

The group said donations from foreign individuals and minors should be banned.

The G25, originally 25 Eminent Malays, became known for an open letter urging moderation in religious policies in the face of Islamisation.

They called for rules to protect the election process from parties which could “throw a lot of money to get the voters” and warned of the danger of the people losing faith in the electoral system.

They proposed that Malaysia look to Australia and Britain for examples of laws on political funding.

The government was also urged to provide more powers for the Election Commission to conduct its own investigations and prosecutions on election offences.

“We need to avoid the victors and losers in an election continually accusing each other of improper practices,” the group said.