A Charities Commission is long overdue

I REFER to the article published on July 6 regarding the government’s statement that no timeline has been set for the establishment of a Charities Commission.

Having led charitable organisations for over two decades and served as a speaker and trainer for international NGOs both locally and abroad, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges and gaps that persist in the non-profit sector.

To better understand these issues, I pursued a doctorate focused specifically on charity governance in Malaysia. After four years of research, one key finding stands out unequivocally: Malaysia urgently needs a Charities Commission, not just in name, but in structure, authority and purpose.

This is not a theoretical concern. My research revealed multiple cases involving the abuse and mismanagement of millions of ringgit in charitable funds. These are not isolated incidents. They point to systemic weaknesses, loopholes in oversight, poor transparency and fragmented regulation.

While I commend Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki for supporting the establishment of such a commission, I must highlight that similar pledges have been made by leaders in the past. Yet the delays continue, so here’s a suggestion.

To expedite progress, I urge the government to engage key players who have long upheld high standards of governance, such as MERCY Malaysia, an organisation I had the privilege of auditing during my doctoral study.

Unlike many others that declined participation, MERCY Malaysia demonstrated 100% transparency and welcomed scrutiny. These are the types of organisations that should sit at the table when drafting frameworks and policies for the sector.

Establishing a Charities Commission is a critical first step, but not the solution in itself. The commission must be independent, transparent, and backed by clear legal authority to regulate, enforce and elevate the entire sector. It must be a platform where real reform begins, not ends.

It is time for the government to turn words into action. The cost of inaction is too high, not only in terms of lost funds, but also in lost trust.

DATUK DR ALIYAH KAREN

Founder, AKRAB Resources and Yayasan Health on World