PH COFFERS ‘DRY’
Coalition struggling to find funds to carry out its operations
PAKATAN Harapan’s finances are in dire straits. The ruling coalition’s chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said parties in PH were even struggling to manage their respective operations.
He said Pakatan was still working on formulas to generate funds to finance its operations without allowing elements of corruption and abuse of power to seep into the coalition.
“The financial crisis among parties in PH is very critical.
“The strength of our parties is built on the support of the masses and we have members nationwide who campaign for us.
“But not everything is free. There are bills to pay. In gatherings, for instance, somebody has to pay for the nasi lemak... Sometimes, the wakil rakyat or ministers pick up the tab. But now, the coalition has no money.”
Speaking at the press conference after PH’s presidential council meeting here yesterday, Dr Mahathir said the session, which discussed the generation of party funds, failed to come up with a solution.
Dr Mahathir said the government was looking at a model for political parties in the country to source for funds, including the one adopted in Germany.
This is so that political parties in Malaysia do not solicit money from the public, said Dr Mahathir.
“There are pros and cons if we adopt such a model, as everyone will register political parties to collect money for the government.”
Citing an example, Dr Mahathir said recently, a company wanted to donate RM100 million to Tabung Harapan with an ulterior motive.
“When we found out, it was rejected. We have to avoid this, especially corruption,” he said after chairing PH’s presidential council meeting here yesterday.
As such, Dr Mahathir said, a mechanism was needed to establish how political parties could be financed without external aid.
He said political funding was necessary, as elections cost money, adding that the government would need to look into the source of the monies.
“We do not want members and supporters of political parties to give money with the hope of getting something in return. That is tantamount to corruption.”
In July, the government announced that it would table a new law on political funding in parliament to curb corruption and lobbying.