Political financing bill to be tabled in November, says minister

 

Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar says the bill would also take into account the views of NGOs, such as Bersih and IDEAS, and academics.

PETALING JAYA: A proposed new law on political donations and financing of political parties is expected to be tabled for the first and second reading in the Dewan Rakyat in early and late November, respectively.

In a statement, law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar also said he would hold an engagement session with all MPs on Sept 28 to obtain their feedback regarding the bill.

Previously, Wan Junaidi said the Cabinet had agreed in principle to a bill on political donations and financing of political parties being drafted – adding that it would be tabled at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting which begins on Oct 3.

“The government is confident and committed (to ensuring) that this political contribution bill will be implemented and expects the bill to be presented for the first reading in early November and second reading at the end of November,” he added.

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According to Wan Junaidi, the National Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) prepared the scope and policy parameters of the bill, which has been given to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for scrutiny before being finalised.

He said the bill will also take into account the views of stakeholders through engagement sessions held with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), electoral reform group Bersih, and academics.

At the same time, several internal discussion sessions have also been held with relevant government departments and agencies about the bill’s drafting. - FMT