Political Funding Bill needs to be studied in-depth, says Hamzah

There is a need for the Political Funding Bill to be studied in detail to ensure that the proposed law is effective.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said a detailed study was important to avoid any “flip-flops” in implementing the new law.

“Yesterday (Thursday), the Cabinet Special Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR) of which I am a member, discussed (the Political Funding Bill). We need to study this mechanism or method deeply because we want to ensure that it does not lead to any flip-flops.

“We may not (want) to use it (bill) now but tomorrow the need for it may arise.

“Let us ensure that the law can be used for all times,” he said at a press conference after the launch of the Mobile Recovery Treatment (MRT) service at the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) headquarters.

The new service comes under AADK’s treatment and rehabilitation programme.

Present were AADK directorgeneral Sutekno Ahmad Belon and Home Ministry secretarygeneral Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Hamzah said the Political Funding Bill was good, but the details should be given to a specific group to be studied.

“The group is not only from the agency but also those who are experienced, as well as those who have practised abroad.”

On Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in a statement, said JKKMAR had agreed with the proposed implementation of the Political Contribution Bill.

However, he said, it should be brought up for discussion with cabinet members before an engagement session with political parties.

Meanwhile, on the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes in Malaysia, Hamzah said the main focus should be on resolving existing problems involving drug addiction.

“If we want to do something, we have to first look at our enemy (drugs) which has been around for 40 years. If we want to add more enemies, we will see first.

“However, let the priority be on the reduction of the problems that exist today.”