Azalina: No political financial bill yet, relies on existing laws

Legislative matters regarding political funding are currently dealt with via the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities (AMLATFPUAA) Act 2001, said Minister in the Prime Minister Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

“At present, Malaysia still does not have a political financial bill, and any legislative matters regarding political funding currently falls under Acts such as the MACC Act 2009  and AMLATFPUAA Act 2001.

“If after investigation following legal procedures, solid evidence of foreign interference in political financing misconduct is found, actions will be taken under AMLATFPUAA Act 2001, MACC Act 2009, and any relevant sections of the Penal Code [Act 574],” she said in a parliamentary written reply. 

She was responding to Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat), who queried about the status and oversight mechanisms in drafting the political financial bill. 

Mumtaz also asked about the identities and numbers of stakeholders involved in the process.

Azalina also said that any initiative towards drafting the political financing bill should be executed diligently. 

“Any initiative towards drafting the political financing bill should be executed diligently in collaboration with the 15th Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform (JKPK) in the third session of parliament, as planned following discussions held in Parliament on November 9, 2023, and February 29, 2024. 

“This is a continuation of discussions on political funding aimed at addressing financial mismanagement to enhance integrity and good governance for the well-being of the Malaysian people,” she said.