KUALA LUMPUR: Political parties must formally state in writing their position on the proposed Political Financing Law, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said this was necessary as political parties and politicians would ultimately be subject to the law.
Azalina said she had also been informed that several political parties had voiced opposition to the proposed legislation.
“That is why it is better to get the official position of political parties in writing.
“To me, discussing the matter during engagements is not sufficient.
“Since the law will impact political parties, we should get their official stance,” she told reporters at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (Sept 9), ahead of the opening of the Umno General Assembly.
On Tuesday (Sept 8), Azalina said the legislation could be tabled in Parliament next year as the government refines draft proposals covering contribution limits, a ban on foreign donations and stricter financial disclosure requirements.
She said nine key policy parameters were currently under review to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing political financing.
The government has conducted 18 engagement sessions involving 1,544 participants nationwide, as well as a public perception study involving 3,422 respondents and 11 focus group discussions.
The proposed Political Financing law is aimed at regulating the sources of funding for political parties and politicians, the amount they can receive and spend, and what financial information must be publicly disclosed.
