Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) views positively and is encouraged that The Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) will study political corruption to propose reforms to laws governing political parties especially in political financing.
Lack of transparency and accountability on sources of political financing allows abuses in the political system that undermine the democratic process of elections. This leads to political patronage as manifested by closed procurement, partisanship and maladministration. Political corruption is the “mother” of all corruption, and often the driver of abuse of government powers. Malaysia cannot achieve a high-income economy if economic decisions are subject to political influence or considerations.
TI-M is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the legislative and institutional reforms that are needed to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability in political financing. The proposed reforms to be presented to the government will include proposals for financing of political parties and funding of electoral campaigns, and a Political Party Act. However, a Political Party Act cannot be effective without other reforms to existing legislation such as the Elections Act and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
Issued by
Datuk Paul Low
President
Transparency International – Malaysia
