NGO chides the lack of resolve to table political financing laws

Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M) has expressed its disappointment at the apparent lack of political will to table the proposed Political Donations and Expenditure Bill (PDEA).

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak first announced the intention for such a law in August 2015, following revelations that he had received RM2.6 billion in his bank accounts prior to the 2013 general election.

Slated to be tabled in time for the 14th general election, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Paul Low admitted in September that the PDEA needed more time before it was ready.

However, in a statement today, TI-M president Akhbar Satar characterised this as “lip service” on part of the government.

“TI-M is disappointed that the proposed Bill for the Political Donations and Expenditure Act (PDEA)... will not be tabled before the next general election.  

“It seems that there is no sincere political will from all political parties to fully support and adopt the PDEA,” Akhbar said.

PAS has repeatedly urged the PDEA to be rushed before GE14, while Pakatan Harapan politicians, including PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar and DAP’s Ong Kian Ming, have been unwilling to fully support it over concerns that it will be used by BN to “suppress the Opposition”.

Akhbar called for no more delays in the implementation of the PDEA bill.

“TI-M believes that by having a set of laws to regulate political funding, it will improve the country’s image in terms of transparency, integrity, accountability and the openness in politics are also vital to a healthy democracy.

“Today, election campaigns are increasingly expensive – politicians require large sums of money to run their campaigns and this raises serious integrity concerns,” he said.

“Effective campaign financing enforcement is also necessary to monitor and enforce the political financing regulations.

“This must be resolved now for greater transparency in the electoral system and the sake of the nation.” - Mkini