The Malaysian government must look into reforming political funding to curb the “incestuous relationship between politics and business”.
Political analyst Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk said that was one way of reducing corruption.
“Why is there no reform when it comes to political funding? We need to regulate it, or it will lead to more abuse of power and corruption,” said Azeem, who is director of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research and International Studies.
“There have not been any real reforms, as no one has the political will and determination to do so. Perhaps, the problem is that all political parties have skeletons in their closets.”
Azeem’s comments came in the wake of charges brought against Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) information chief, Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who was charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court yesterday with corruption.
Wan Saiful claimed trial to accepting a bribe of close to RM7 million in relation to the Jana Wibawa programme. He was also charged with soliciting an unspecified amount for a road project worth RM232 million linked to the same initiative.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin accused the government of “selective prosecution”.
Muhyiddin had said that political parties needed funds to operate, including from corporate sponsors. The former prime minister added that currently, there were no laws regulating political donations in Malaysia.
Azeem said while politicians needed money to run their campaigns and fund their service centres, there ought to be laws on political funding.
“Voters expect the stars and the moon, and as a result, politicians – even from these so-called ‘clean parties’ – have to seek funding from big businesses. Naturally, these businesses would want something in return,” said Azeem.
“All political parties are the same. They need money, and they have to work with people in business because that is where the money is,” said Azeem.
“For businesses, it is about securing lucrative contracts. For politicians, wheeling and dealing is par for the course. Unfortunately, when this happens, ethics and integrity go out the window.
“No one is going to give money away for free. Everyone has an ulterior motive. This is where having rules and regulations will help.”
Azeem said Malaysia needs a strong civil society that can take the moral high ground and stamp out corruption and abuse of power.
“You can’t expect the politicians to do this, as many, if not most of them, are tainted in some way, shape, or form,” said Azeem.
Azeem is aware that politicians will exploit whatever loophole they can find, but is convinced that reforming laws on political funding is the crucial first step in ensuring broader, sweeping reforms.
“Politicians need to know where to draw the line, and when not to cross it. Of course, there will be those who will try to push the limits off legality, but there should be laws in place, to punish them, if they do,” he said.
