Political corruption heads the list, mother of all corruption

KUALA LUMPUR - Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) says that political corruption is the mother of all corruption and is undertaking review of the legislative and institutional reforms that are needed to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability.

TI-M president Paul Low said that in this light, the transparency advocate lauds The Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) that will study political corruption and propose reforms to laws governing political parties in financing.

In a statement issued today, Low said that the lack of transparency and accountability on sources of political financing allows abuses in the political system that "undermines the democratic process of elections."

"This leads to political patronage as manifested by closed procurement, partisanship and maladministration," said Low.

'Corruption drives abuse'

Low added "Political corruption is the mother" of all corruption, and often the driver of abuse of government powers. Malaysia cannot achieve a high-income economy if economic decisions are subject to political influence or considerations."

He said that the proposed reforms to be presented to the government will include proposals for financing of political parties and funding of electoral campaigns, and a Political Party Act.

However, Low added that a Political Party Act cannot be effective without other reforms to existing legislation such as the Elections Act and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.

Transparency International - Malaysia is an accredited chapter of Berlin based Transparency
International.

It is a non-governmental organization to counter corruption nationally as well as internationally.

It has as its main mission to curb corruption through international and national coalitions encouraging governments to establish and implement effective laws, policies and anti-corruption programmes.

MM
18/01/10

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Find ways to retrieve our money hidden outside the country by corrupted politician and prosecute them.