PAS and its ally Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia (Ikatan) today urged the government to expedite debates on the proposed Political Donations and Expenditure Act (PDEA).

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man told a press conference at the party’s headquarters this morning that the proposed law should be debated and passed during the March session of the Dewan Rakyat next year.

“Gagasan Sejahtera (Gagasan) views this move by the government as an important grassroots solution to eradicate the practice of money politics and corruption which has become a serious cancer for the country today.

“Therefore Gagasan urges the government for the law to be debated and passed, if possible by the first parliament session of next year,” said Tuan Ibrahim in reference to the party’s coalition with Ikatan.

Tuan Ibrahim said the move to expedite the proposed law would then make it enforceable for the next 14th general election.

Also present were PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan and Ikatan president Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Paul Low had on Sept 30 announced that the new law was one out 32 recommendations made by the government-formed National Consultative Committee on Political Financing.

At the time, Low however said its full implementation is targeted for the 15th general election.

Tuan Ibrahim said, as such, Gagasan would be arranging for a meeting with Low some time later this month to urge for a speedier implementation and also present its own counter-proposals on two main issues.

Kadir, meanwhile, said that there is no good reason for the government to delay tabling the new law.

“Our two main objections are on the no limits for campaign expenditures as well as the amount of donations received.

“We are not just opposing but we have counter-proposals which are practical,” he said.

Kadir also stressed that in absence of laws governing political financing, there is no reason for the people to get angry with any politician accused of accepting donations.

“The current situation allows politicians to receive donations.

“If the government is sincere (to curb money politics), they should finalise (pass) the law by March,” he stressed.