Malaysia plans to speed up the drafting of a political financing bill aimed at curbing money politics and increasing public trust in democratic institutions.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said the bill is crucial to ensure greater transparency in political funding, which has long been a contentious issue in Malaysia.

“This platform allows us to gather insights from international experts and stakeholders to draft a robust regulatory framework that strengthens democratic processes,” she said during the launch of the Political Financing International Conference 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, today. 

The event was jointly organised by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU) and the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). 

The conference drew around 80 participants, including MPs, political party leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives, who discussed practical reforms to address donor victimisation and ensure political accountability.

Azalina said the MADANI government is committed to accelerating political financing reforms to create a more open and equitable system that rebuilds public confidence.

Insights from the forum will contribute to the bill’s finalisation, which the government aims to be tabled in parliament soon. -January 15, 2025.