SHAH ALAM - A corruption watchdog says opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin's statement over giving money during election campaign depend on the intention and purpose of a person, is shallow.
Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4)'s acting CEO, Pushpan Murugiah said the opinion issued by the former minister did not reflect the true image of a leader.
He said the statement not only confuses the public but it may also be imitated as it was issued by a political leader.
"How is a political leader issue such a statement, its surprising?
"Can we as humans find out the intention of a person giving money during an election?
"The logic or parable shared by Hamzah can't be adopted and used at all as a reference by the public," he told Sinar.
Pushpan said money given during the campaign process in the election is clearly an offense and it is a form of corruption.
He stressed that enforcement of the election law should be tightened to ensure such things would not be an example to the public as it cultivates the practice of corruption.
"Election Commission (EC) and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) need to be responsible for ensuring anyone who commit political crime financially must be immediately investigated and charged.
"In addition, the enactment of the Political Funding Act must be implemented to ensure expenses by a party during the election can be monitored and at the same time reduce corruption or misconduct of political funds," he added.
Meanwhile, Selangor and Federal Territory Rasuah Busters chairman Associate Professor Dr Hamdan Daniel said political parties in the country should practice a mature politics instead of issuing statements which may cause conflicts within society.
He added that money or giving gifts during elections should be stopped to eliminate vote buying.
"If you want to give financial aid, why must you wait until the day of campaigning? It is not something to be done seasonally.
"If this act is done (not during the election period), then you can see that the intention to donate is clear and genuine.
"The culture of sycophantic behaviour must come to an end for Malaysia to be free of corruption and any form of abuse of power for self-interest," he stressed.