Govt open to input on formulating political funding bill

 

The government is open to receiving input on the drafting of the Political Funding Bill, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran.

He said that every view expressed, including through discussions with stakeholders, is taken into account to ensure that the bill is in line with international standards.

"It requires a holistic engagement session with all political parties, each of whom has different views," he said in winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 at Dewan Negara today.

He said this in response to an interjection by Senator Awang Sariyan who wanted to know the government's commitment in implementing the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 (Act 869) and the Political Funding Act.

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Kulasegaran (above) said that in drafting the Political Funding Bill, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department had held 20 series of engagement sessions with stakeholders at the grassroots level.

He said that of the total, 12 were at the state level involving the participation of 1,539 participants including federal and state government officials, political parties, NGOs, academics and youth, to obtain grassroots views and input on the proposed policy of the bill.

Parliamentary democracy

On the enactment of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025, which is expected to come into force in May 2027, Kulasegaran said it will bring great significance to parliamentary democracy.

It will not only restore the autonomy of the institution, but also strengthen the principle of separation of powers, which is the core of the constitutional democratic system, he explained.

The deputy minister said that with the enactment of the Act, Parliament will be able to function more independently without relying on the executive branch, thus ensuring that the legislative role is carried out more effectively and authoritatively.

“With this reform, Parliament will once again function in an independent capacity and be ready to play its role as a legislative body that is accountable to the people.

“This reform is not only about administration, but also about restoring the sovereignty of the Parliament institution in the country’s democratic system, thus reflecting the Madani government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and building a more transparent and accountable administrative system,” he added.

Also wrapping up the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan.

- Bernama