Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) strongly supports the call by Bersih for clean, free and fair elections in Malaysia, as should all members of the public and civil society, regardless of political affiliation. Election results must truly reflect the wishes of the people.
The fight against corruption in any country begins at the top in the political arena, starting with clean and fair elections where the democratic process of election is carried out in a manner where its integrity is safeguarded.
The way the election process is managed and how campaigns are conducted by political parties and their candidates reflect the state of governance and maturity of the political institutions. A clean, free and fair election process gives the public confidence in their elected representatives, political parties and the government.
TI-M reiterates the call for swift and stern action to be taken against all allegations of corruption, including vote buying. Campaign offences should be clarified to assist the MACC in its enforcement. Therefore, it is imperative for the Election Commission (EC), as the first step, to define clearly what is illegal and what is not.
TI-M has, since 2009, conducted research, held consultations, workshops on reforming political financing in Malaysia. The EC and political parties participated in the research and consultations.
There were 22 recommendations for reforms in political financing including elections, which were submitted to the Prime Minister on May 5, 2011. The recommendations include the enhancement of the autonomy and independence of the EC, establishment of a neutral caretaker government after elections are called, equal and free access to public media for elected political parties and a better regulated election process.
TI-M welcomes the assurance by the deputy minister in the prime minister’s department Liew Vui Keong in Parliament last week that the government is currently reviewing certain acts such as the Societies Act 1966, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, Election Commission Act 1957 and Anti Money Laundering Act, as well as the Anti Terrorism Financial Act 2001 to reform political financing and institute an effective monitoring mechanism.
TI-M had also proposed state funding of political parties for election campaigns.TI-M fully supports any initiative which promotes transparency and integrity, and contributes to clean, free and fair elections in Malaysia.
The writer is president of Transparency International Malaysia
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