Ensure political funds are more transparent and MACC becomes more independent - IDEAS
Illustrative Photo - Photo by Awani
The Democracy and Economic Affairs Institute (Ideas), in a statement on Friday, said the political funding law is a crucial step to reduce corruption in politics.
Every poltical party will be subjected to the same measures of transparency, disclosure and scrutiny.
"The private bill (RUU) previously introduced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on political funding requires all political parties to declare their source of funds to an independent commission.
"Declaring where funding comes from will reduce the possibility of political parties gaining funds through illegal means such as misappropriation of public funds, corruption or money laundering," the statement said
Ideas added that APPGM also recommended public fundings as an effort to curb political corruption, where the government provides funds for political parties based on a set formula.
"This will further reduce excessive dependence on private sector funds and potential conflict of interest," the statement said
Ideas added that increasing MACC's independence will increase public confidence in MACC and reduce the perception that MACC is being manipulated for political purposes.
The statement elaborated that the matter can be done by ensuring a set period for the the tenure of the commissioner and forming an Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC).
Ideas said studies have shown that anti-corruption commission possessing greater autonomy are generally more successful in fighting corruption.
"The government needs to be reminded that the National Anti-Corruption Prevention Plan (NACP) launced in 2019 aims to introduce political funding law by the end of 2020 and forming a separate Special Select Committee Parliament for MACC by the end of 2023.
"The effort was made by the unity government which consists of parties who are currently apart of the government.
"Both these plans were unfortunately, removed by NACP during its mid-term review in 2021.
"The plans should be reinstated if the current government is serious about MACC becoming more independent," the statement said
Ideas, in the same statement, said the government should be more sensitive in handling the public's fragile trust in the institutions.
"The recent 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score shows Malaysia's declining performance in eradicating corruption.
"(Malaysia) slipping six points in the last three years should prompt the government to restart the reform efforts in these two main matters immediately.
"Since the NACP will terminate at the end of this year, it is now more crucial for the government to show political seriousness in making changes," the statement said.
