Gov't rejected firm's RM100m offer to Tabung Harapan

Putrajaya had rejected a company's offer to donate RM100 million for Tabung Harapan over fears the donation might have strings attached.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad when explaining why Pakatan Harapan had resolved to draw up laws to regulate political financing.

"It is clear that those who wanted to donate (RM100 million) had other intentions. That is for the Tabung Harapan, but what if a similar donation happened to a political party? We will end up with the old ways," said Mahathir.

Tabung Harapan was set up by the Harapan administration in May to allow the public to contribute to efforts to reduce the federal government's debts.

The Harapan presidential council today had resolved to regulate political financing but could not agree with a method yet.

Mahathir said his administration would study various models.

"There were suggestions that we follow the German system, which means the government funds political parties so parties don't have to depend on the public," he said.

[More to follow] - Mkini