Amangate: Don't argue with Umno, guys. Let's just LEGITIMIZE CORRUPTION - BN STYLE!

The current raging allegations, knee-jerk defense and unexplained circumstances enveloping the RM40 million fund for UMNO Sabah raises a fundamental question that cannot remain buried.

It is about time that our politicians were taught a lesson in funding. Yes it is true that all political machineries need funds to further their cause and agenda. There is nothing wrong in raising funds to keep their political priorities afloat.

But what is of paramount importance is a political party must realize that it must work its guts out to raise the required funds. If the leaders and followers are incapable of seeking out creative and ethical ways to raise funds then the least they can opt for is to go begging.

By all means organize a dinner and pass the beggar’s bag around. Or go find a political-sugar-daddy funder willing to keep you afloat. Anyone who is supportive of your political badge should have no hesitation to dig deep into his or her pocket to help you through the very cause that you preach and they (your supporters) can relate well with.

But using your lead advantage to secure funds that are highly questionable is tantamount to scheming and stealing – for want of a better word.

Declare - make it compulsory

In the context of the RM 40 million fund that appears to have gone around the world to find its way into Sabah has all the trappings and stench of scheming, misappropriation, abuse of powers and controls and hence it is no surprise that it ends up as a highly contested and debated issue.

When politicians are willing to go the distant to secure funding through means that remain in wraps and are alleged to be misdeeds, then the credibility of the founding principles of that political party is being compromised.

Every party member has a right to know and question any deed or misdeed that may be suspect of damaging the very fundamentals and code of ethics of a political party. In fact they the supporters must question it if they are to return back the life to their party. And likewise every captain and vested politician has that onerous task and duty to declare their modus operandi to their members.

The end and the means towards funding of political parties are of equal importance in this world of transparency, accountability and ethical standards – the very pillars of democracy and civil liberties emerging in this 21st century.

Otherwise, we might as well legitimize corruption as an accepted way of life and a blessed necessity for political survival.

MAILBAG