Source C4 Center

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Startling revelations continue to emerge on the Sabah mineral scandal, with a whistleblower recently alleging that Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan received payments amounting to RM1.78 million. 

The allegations made against Kitingan must be investigated comprehensively by the relevant authorities, and if any offences are disclosed, appropriate action must be taken against him. 

Regardless of the truth of these allegations, The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) emphasises the importance of introducing political financing regulations to control the influence of money politics in Malaysia.

The government has indicated that it is exploring the development of a Political Financing Act, although full details on this initiative have not been publicly revealed yet. 

Malaysians are exhausted by the constant bombardment of corruption scandals involving bribes and improper payments made to political parties and figures. 

Concerted action must be taken to deal with this entrenched problem.

The introduction of a Political Financing Act must be seen as the first step in developing a more transparent and accountable political culture. 

The Act must impose stringent and binding financial reporting requirements on political parties and figures, with appropriate penalties for non-compliance.

Whichever body is tasked with monitoring political financing activities must be sufficiently insulated from executive interference, so it can carry out its mandate properly.

Corporate funding of political parties and figures should be fully banned to avoid undue influence of corporate lobbyists. 

Most importantly, public funding of political parties and activities should be a fundamental element of the new framework – a proposal that has been recommended by CSOs and academics, and which has seen success in other countries.

The negative influence of money on Malaysian politics has resulted in a history of governance that deprioritises the public interest for private gains. 

If this government honestly wishes to prove its commitment to combating corruption, the development of an effective Political Financing Act must become a top priority. 

In order to ensure this Act and framework are developed in a comprehensive and holistic manner, C4 Center urges the government to incorporate meaningful public participation in the development process.