Azalina: Malaysians want political funding law before GE16; political parties’ buy-in needed to avoid delay

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — Malaysians have expressed their wish for the government to enact a political financing law before the 16th general election, according to Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. This desire was highlighted during the Prime Minister's Department's Legal Affairs Division's public engagement sessions. Azalina stated that many Malaysians want such a law in place before the upcoming election.

She emphasized that the political parties would be responsible for voting on the proposed law if it were introduced, underscoring the need for their input. Azalina acknowledged the debates and criticism surrounding the process of introducing this law, but stressed that the government is aware of the complexities involved in reforming the legal framework.

She noted that political will requires courage, openness to differing opinions, and determination to see it through. Earlier, Azalina mentioned that the Legal Affairs Division had been studying the proposed law since May 2023, and the Cabinet had agreed in principle to draft the legislation, with further studies on its scope to be conducted.

At a subsequent press conference, Azalina explained that the delay in introducing the law is due to the extensive process and procedure carried out by the Legal Affairs Division, not political procrastination. She expressed her desire for the law to be enacted as soon as possible, but acknowledged that the timeline would depend on the preparation of the Bill.

Additionally, Azalina proposed that the Legal Affairs Division collect written opinions from all registered political parties in Malaysia regarding their stance on the proposed law.