news

"Political funding reform will ensure government not ruled by outside hands"

ALOR STAR: The proposed new laws to regulate political funding and donations will help promote transparency in political parties, said Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Othman Aziz.

The Jerlun Member of Parliament said the move would also prevent unwarranted accusations being thrown at leaders in the party.

“I welcome the proposed law because it will ensure that our party and government is not ruled by outside hands,” Othman told newsmen after opening a seminar for 400 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates from Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) farming families at Mada headquarters here yesterday.

It was reported that the National Consultative Committee on Political Financing will submit its recommended Political Donations and Expenditure Act (PDEA) to Cabinet in two weeks’ time.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan, was quoted as saying that political financing needs to be regulated to reduce abuse and adverse consequences.

Othman, who is also Mada chairman, said he has yet to know the details of the new act, but believes that it will eliminate any negative perception the public has about the government.

He added that since the law, when implemented, is applicable to politicians from all parties including the opposition, he urged MPs from both sides of the political divide to support the PDEA when it is tabled in the Dewan Rakyat.

As for state executive councillor Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain, he is not only supportive of the proposed new laws, but wants it to be enforced immediately.

"‎This is for the sake of true democracy, and to ensure that the country is free from money politics that can be used not only by foreign powers, but also by powerful parties for their own interests," he said.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories