PAS supports the proposed Political Financing Bill in principle, saying it is necessary to uphold the democratic system and safeguard the rights of political parties.
Its deputy president Datuk Seri Ustaz Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, however, said Pas needed more details on the proposed bill before making a final decision on its position.
“Basically, we agree that political financing should be implemented to ensure the democratic system is respected and the rights of every political party are protected.
“We need detailed information regarding the bill. Several discussions have been held and the party will make a decision at its next central working committee meeting,” he said when contacted.
Tuan Ibrahim, who is also Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman, urged the government to ensure that no foreign funds were channelled to any political party to prevent foreign interference in the country’s political affairs.
He said safeguards against foreign funding should be included in the proposed legislation to protect the country’s political sovereignty.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said yesterday said all 72 registered political parties had been urged to submit their positions in writing on the proposed Political Financing Bill.
She said official responses from each party would provide a clearer picture of whether they supported or opposed the bill, or had alternative proposals.NST
