Bersama releases Johor campaign financial statement, to become practice in all polls

 

Parti Bersama Malaysia has released its financial statement for its campaign in the Johor state election, saying that this will be the party's practice for its participation in all future polls.

Party co-leader Rafizi Ramli said his party is piloting a new political culture with the ultimate goal of eliminating corruption.

"Bersama's entire campaign was carried out voluntarily without any payment, and other campaign expenses were fully funded by three public sources," he said in a statement today.

The former economy minister said funding sources comprised collections from the party's membership fee of RM20, money raised from a fundraising dinner, as well as personal contributions from supporters.

According to the financial statement, Bersama spent RM796,197 in total for election expenses, including the Election Commission's deposit fees (RM120,000), campaign materials (RM339,190), and cleaning fees after campaigning (RM24,000), among others.

The party had collected RM291,868 from its fundraising dinner, RM399,329 from crowdfunding, and RM105,000 in personal contributions from two unnamed donors.

According to Section 19 of the Election Offences Act 1954, spending limits for an election campaign are imposed only on candidates. Political parties are excluded from this.

Parliamentary candidates may spend up to RM200,000 in an election, while those running for state seats are allowed to spend a maximum of RM100,000.

Political corruption

Rafizi further said political corruption was a strongly ingrained habit in Malaysia that has persisted regardless of changes in federal or state governments.

"Recently, political parties have been shamelessly using government agencies, assets, and public funds to campaign.

"This is accepted by the majority of Malaysians because the major party coalitions such as Pakatan Harapan, BN, and Perikatan Nasional have all committed the same mistakes," the former PKR deputy president claimed.

During the Johor campaign, electoral watchdog Bersih flagged alleged misuse of government assets and machinery, calling on BN and Harapan to be held accountable.

Rafizi alleged that the sustained practice of corruption partly stems from how political parties run on paid services, such as by funding party machinery by providing them with money for fuel, allowances, or pocket money.

"It is difficult to curb corruption as long as campaign work and travel for political party activities have to be paid for," he lamented. - Mkini