Several Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders have called for the immediate tabling of the Political Funding Bill, with one leader proposing a ban on anonymous donations to strengthen political transparency.
The renewed push comes amid heightened scrutiny over alleged political donations linked to Sabah’s mining scandal.
Kiulu PGRS deputy chief Datuk George Teo (pictured) urged the government to set donation limits, prohibit anonymous contributions, and involve civil society in shaping the reform process.
He said the changes must ensure political financing is transparent, accountable, and inclusive.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Chin Su Phin said the absence of political financing laws in Malaysia has created a grey area for abuse.
He pointed to the recent Sabah mining controversy, where reports claim businessman Albert Tei allegedly holds video evidence of politicians admitting to receiving bribes.
All politicians implicated have denied the allegations.
Chin said none of the mining applications in question were approved and expressed confidence that GRS leaders would be cleared of wrongdoing.
He added that the coalition is prepared to refund all donations to minimise investor losses and uphold its integrity.
Parti STAR information chief Annuar Ghani said video footage of cash handovers does not automatically amount to an offence under existing laws.
Parti STAR information chief Annuar Ghani (pictured) said video footage of cash handovers does not automatically amount to an offence under existing laws.
He said the absence of a Political Funding Act makes it difficult to define what qualifies as legitimate political contributions.
“In court, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a donation was made in exchange for a favour for it to be considered a bribe,” he said.
Annuar said such legal ambiguity underscores the need for urgent reforms, while praising Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for cancelling all mining applications linked to the controversy.
He said no individual without mining expertise should be allowed to dominate the industry despite the GRS-PH administration remains open to investments.
Towards this end, Annuar further urged department heads to carry out proper due diligence when reviewing investment proposals to avoid similar issues in the future. – April 3, 2025
