Kuala lumpur: The government is open to receiving input on the drafting of the Political Funding Bill, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran. He emphasized that every view expressed, including those gathered through discussions with stakeholders, will be taken into account to ensure that the bill aligns with international standards.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kulasegaran highlighted the need for holistic engagement sessions with all political parties, acknowledging that each party has different perspectives. He made these remarks while winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 at Dewan Negara, in response to an inquiry by Senator Datuk Seri Prof Emeritus Dr. Awang Sariyan regarding the government's commitment to implementing the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 and the Political Funding Act.
To formulate the Political Funding Bill, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department has conducted 20 series of engagement sessions (SLU) with stakeholders at the grassroots level. Out of these, 12 series of SLU were conducted at the state level, involving 1,539 participants, including federal and state government officials, political parties, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics, and youth. These sessions aimed to gather grassroots views and input on the proposed policy of the Bill.
Additionally, Kulasegaran discussed the significance of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025, expected to be enacted in May 2027. This act is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing parliamentary democracy in Malaysia by restoring the autonomy of the parliamentary institution and strengthening the principle of separation of powers, which is fundamental to the constitutional democratic system.
The enactment of the act will enable Parliament to operate more independently from the executive branch, ensuring that its legislative functions are carried out effectively. This reform underscores the commitment of the MADANI Government to fortify democratic institutions and foster a more transparent and accountable administrative system.
In conclusion, Kulasegaran expressed that the reform is not just about administrative changes but also about reinstating the sovereignty of the Parliament within the country's democratic framework, thus preparing it to serve as a legislative body accountable to the people. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr. Zulkifli Hasan also contributed to wrapping up the debate on the Supply Bill 2026.