xAnts

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR Youth is strongly urging the federal government and state administrations to swiftly enact a comprehensive law governing political financing. The call comes amidst growing concerns about transparency and accountability in Malaysian politics, with Sabah PKR Youth arguing that a robust legal framework is crucial to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.

Hilmie Milus, the information chief of Sabah PKR Youth, emphasized the urgency of the matter. “We need a clear and enforceable law on political financing, both at the federal and state levels, without further delay,” he stated. “The current lack of regulation creates opportunities for undue influence and potential corruption, which undermines public trust in our political institutions.”

The demand for political financing reform has been a recurring theme in Malaysian politics, with various civil society groups and opposition parties consistently advocating for greater transparency. The existing regulations are perceived as inadequate and lacking in enforcement mechanisms, leaving loopholes that can be exploited.

Sabah PKR Youth’s call specifically highlights the need for a law that addresses several key areas, including:

• Disclosure of Donations: Requiring political parties and candidates to publicly disclose all sources of funding, including individual and corporate donors, above a certain threshold.
• Limits on Donations: Setting reasonable limits on the amount of money that can be donated to political parties and candidates, to prevent wealthy individuals or corporations from exerting disproportionate influence.
• Independent Oversight: Establishing an independent body with the authority to monitor political financing, investigate complaints, and enforce the law.
• Sanctions for Non-Compliance: Imposing meaningful penalties on those who violate the law, including fines, disqualification of candidates, and even criminal prosecution.

Milus further explained that the absence of a comprehensive law not only fuels public cynicism but also creates an uneven playing field in elections. “Parties with deep pockets have an unfair advantage over those with limited resources. This undermines the principles of fairness and equality in our democratic system,” he added.

The call for a political financing law gains particular significance in Sabah, a state with a complex political landscape and a history of concerns regarding campaign financing. Sabah PKR Youth believes that a transparent and accountable system is essential to promote good governance and strengthen democratic institutions in the state.

“We urge our elected representatives to prioritize this issue and work together to enact a law that meets international best practices,” Milus concluded. “The time for action is now. We owe it to the people of Sabah and Malaysia to ensure that our political system is free from corruption and undue influence.”

The push for political financing reform is expected to gain further momentum in the coming months, with various stakeholders calling for greater transparency and accountability in the financing of Malaysian politics. The implementation of a robust legal framework is widely seen as a crucial step towards strengthening democracy and restoring public trust.