GE15: Political funding law and separation of AG, public prosecutor's functions among key pledges in BN manifesto

 

PETALING JAYA: A political funding law and separating the roles and functions of the Attorney General and public prosecutor are among key pledges in Barisan Nasional's manifesto for the 15th General Election, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The coalition chairman said that Barisan was committed to ensure that political practices in the country would be handled responsibly through the enactment of the political funding law.

"At the same time, the appointment of key national positions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's chief commissioner, Elections Commission chairman and Bank Negara governor will be done by a parliamentary special select committee," he said in his speech livestreamed on Facebook on Monday (Nov 7).

Called "Padu", an acronym for "Perancangan Amal dan Usaha", the manifesto covers more than 10 cores such as the rising cost of living, political stability, healthcare, education, food security, environmental protection and initiatives to attract foreign investment.

Ahmad Zahid said through representatives in Parliament, the rakyat would be able to scrutinise those involved and take part in the screening process of the country's top positions.

Calls by civil society for laws on political funding have grown louder prior to the general election, particularly in light of several high-profile court cases linked to "political donations". - Star