MACC Calls for Clear Penalties Under Political Financing Bill

Malaysia’s proposed Political Financing Bill should include clear penalties for political parties that breach contribution limits or fail to disclose funding, while enforcement must be handled by an independent regulatory body, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said.

MACC National Governance Planning Division deputy director Mohd Gunawan Che Ab Aziz said the legislation should be guided by transparency, accountability, fairness, independence and public participation. 

Political Funding Law Must Strengthen Transparency and Fair Competition

Mohd Gunawan said the regulator could potentially be the Election Commission, MACC or a new special commission, although no final decision has been made.

He stressed that whichever body is selected must operate independently without interference from the ruling party or external interests. The Bill is also intended to create a more level playing field between political parties through contribution limits and conditional public funding.

The proposed law would address gaps in existing legislation, including the Societies Act 1966 and Election Offences Act 1954.

Mohd Gunawan said civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders should be involved in drafting the legislation to ensure it strengthens democratic participation rather than restricting it. Greater transparency in political financing is also expected to boost public trust and Malaysia’s international standing.