MACC: Give full disclosure for all political funding
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) wants full disclosure of all funding received by political parties, as it welcomed a Government move to formulate guidelines on political funding.
The commission wanted political organisations to declare all sources of funding and for its accounts to be audited annually or at any time for the purpose of monitoring.
"This is to ensure transparency of any party and individual. Some people do not perceive certain political parties well due to the nature of its funding.
"In this case, it is important for political parties to always build a positive public perception," said the MACC in a statement on Saturday.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the formation of a national consultative committee to formulate guidelines on political funding.
The Commission said the announcement was in line with its own recommendation that political donations should only be deposited directly into the account of the party, and not to the private account of any trustee.
It also said such a system would prevent politicians being investigated for receiving bribes from claiming that funds received and deposited into personal accounts were a donation to the party's political funds even though there was no supporting evidence or documentation presented.
The MACC said for funds given directly to individuals of any party, written approval from respective party heads had to be obtained, and the donation could not be directly related to the official duties of both parties making and receiving these political donations.
The MACC also wanted all members of both state and Federal Governments to declare any manner of funds or gifts received.
MACC added that they would be willing to give their input and opinions to the new committee.
In announcing the plan , Najib hoped the idea would be received by all, including the Opposition.
He also said the decision to set up the committee was not to quell concerns over the a US$700mil political donation he received, pointing out that he had proposed it six years ago.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/15/MACC-political-funding-guidelines-welcome/
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