In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. - George Orwell

 

COMMENT

Numerous erroneous reports and statements on the research and publication of Transparency International-Malaysia’s (TI-M) project ‘Reforming Political Financing in Malaysia’ have recently been published in the media. It is critical therefore that the truth be told, particularly on the research, involvement of political parties and their contributions as I was the editor of the book ‘Reforming Political Financing in Malaysia’.

The TI-M project on Reforming Political Financing in Malaysia has its roots in the Crinis project 2007 Money in Politics - Everyone’s Concern initiated in Latin America in 2006 by Transparency International and the Carter Foundation. ‘Crinis’ is a Latin term for ray of light or in Malay ‘Nur’.

In December 2008, TI-M launched its Nur research project. The project was also due to growing concerns and perceptions of Malaysians on the integrity of  politicians and political parties in the country. In the 2009 the Global Corruption Barometer report, 42 percent of the Malaysian respondents thought that political parties are the most corrupt group. Malaysians began to urge for more accountability from politicians and their political parties.

The primary objective of TI-M’s then research was to present to the government and the political parties a set of recommendations to reform political financing in Malaysia.

The research on reforming political financing in Malaysia  included interviews with former prime ministers Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Members of Parliament and politicians from Barisan Nasional and the opposition were interviewed as well.

During an interview with TI-M, Mahathir said, “In Umno, only certain people can raise funds, namely the president, the chief minister, people in Malaysia don’t need much persuasion. They believe if they contribute, they might get some leverage. So, when election comes, people just give and money taken is sometimes without receipts.”

Only one party, MIC, provided audited accounts

Annual reports and audited accounts of major political parties including the opposition were requested. Only one party provided  its annual report and audited accounts. It was the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC).

Political parties including Umno, the Election Commission and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)/Pemandu participated in the research, roundtables and conferences on the monetisation of politics  in Malaysia and urgent need for reforms.

 

Hafarizam Harun ( photo ), legal adviser of Umno, was a speaker in a number of panel discussions on money politics and supported the proposed reforms.

 

The interviews, research  and panel discussions confirmed that “Election expenses are like an iceberg - only the tip is visible”.

But now the iceberg is melting. Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak would face many challenges in implementing a Political Financing Act. As he strives to bring Malaysia to a developed and high income nation, he must demonstrate the political will to reform political financing as South Korea and Taiwan have done.

Prime Minister Najib must not provide safety nets for those caught in the melting waters of fraud, bribery and money.

JOSIE FERNANDEZ was editor of ‘Reforming Political Financing in Malaysia’, published by Transparency International-Malaysia in 2010.

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