Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2023: The reply by the Minister of Law and Institutional Reforms Dato’ Seri Azalina Othman Said yesterday to a question regarding the Cabinet’s decision to refer the Political Financing Bill to the PSSC on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reforms is a significant step forward in the fight for a more transparent political system.

The APPGM is in agreement with the seven points the Minister mentioned in her reply, despite one important element being missing, that is public funding of political parties. Public funding, a system where the government allocates a certain amount of money to fund political party activities, is a mechanism that can ensure greater equity between parties, and reduce dependence on private donors. Implementing a public funding system will incur costs for the government, but we believe this spending is necessary for the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s democracy.

Lastly, it is crucial that a clear timeline is established for tabling this Bill in Parliament, which must be made public. Our APPGM is ready to assist, as we have drafted a Bill ourselves which can be used as a guide to the PSSC in their efforts. There can be no further delay in bringing this long overdue legislation to fruition. 

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For enquiries, please contact:
Aira Azhari
Senior Manager, IDEAS
T: +603 2070 8881/8882 | E: aira@ideas.org.my

About the APPGM on Political Financing

The APPGM on Political Financing was approved by the Dewan Rakyat on 23 April 2023. The main objective of the APPGM is to establish a platform where MPs, Senators and CSOs can deliberate and discuss the importance of political financing reforms in Malaysia.

APPGM on Political Financing members

Ahli Parlimen

1. YB Tuan Wong Chen (PKR – Subang) (Pengerusi)
2. YB Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau (UPKO – Tuaran) (Timbalan Pengerusi)
3. YB Datuk Larry Soon @ Larry Sng Wei Shien (PBM – Julau) (Setiausaha)
4. YB Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah (PPBM – Indera Mahkota) (Bendahari)
5. YB Tuan Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil (PKR – Lembah Pantai)
6. YB Tuan Haji Adly Zahari (Amanah – Alor Gajah)
7. YB Lukanisman Awang Sauni (PBB – Sibuti)
8. YB Puan Wong Shu Qi (DAP – Kluang)
9. YB Tuan Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA – Muar)
10. YB Puan Syerleena Abdul Rashid (DAP – Bukit Bendera)

Senator

1. YB Tuan Hasbie Muda (Amanah)

Ahli CSO

1. Institut Demokrasi dan Hal Ehwal Ekonomi (IDEAS) (Sekretariat)
2. Agora Society
3. Bait Al-Amanah
4. Pusat untuk Memerangi Rasuah dan Kronisme (C4)
5. Engage Network
6. G25 Malaysia
7. Gabungan Pilihanraya Bersih dan Adil (BERSIH)
8. Rasuah Busters
9. Transparency International-Malaysia (TI-M)
10. Badan Peguam Malaysia
11. Puan Maha Balakrishnan (Pakar)
12. Prof. Wong Chin Huat (Pakar)