MACC: Political Financing Bill should set clear penalties, ensure independent enforcement

The Deputy Director of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) National Governance Planning Division, Mohd Gunawan Che Ab Aziz, emphasized that the Political Financing Bill must establish clear penalties for political parties that violate contribution limits or neglect to report their funding. Additionally, he stressed the necessity of an independent regulatory body to effectively enforce the law.

These principles encompass transparency, accountability, equity, fairness, independence, and inclusiveness. Mohd Gunawan noted that the regulatory body's role remains undecided, with potential candidates including the Election Commission (EC), MACC, or a newly formed special commission. The forum, organized by the Prime Minister's Department Legal Affairs Division, is still in the review phase, with the BHEUU responsible for selecting the most appropriate proposal before presenting it to Parliament.

Equity and fairness are crucial under the principle of equity, as contribution limits and conditional public funding would level the playing field for all political parties, thereby promoting transparency and democracy. The regulatory body must remain free from influence, ensuring that it can efficiently enforce the law. Mohd Gunawan also highlighted the importance of inclusiveness and participation, asserting that the law-drafting process should solicit input from civil society, stakeholders, and political parties.

Political parties, as key stakeholders, must be included in shaping the legislation to align with its intended purpose without undermining democracy. The Political Financing Bill aims to fill gaps in existing laws, such as the Societies Act 1966 and the Election Offences Act 1954, and to enhance public trust in Malaysia's governance system through increased transparency and international credibility.