“To me, the only single way to tackle all these issues would be in one go.
“If all of us can get organised to group ourselves, in a non-partisan way and with full dedication, it can be done,” he said during a talk held by Bersih 2.0 on political party finance reform titled Political Finance Reform.
Political financing, he said, would only work if legislative shortcomings, weak oversight and weak bookkeeping were looked into.
He said with the ongoing political uncertainties and realignment of political players, “there is no better time than this for all non-partisan citizens to get together.”
Musa, who was deputy prime minister from 1981 to 1986, said the group could be set up for two years.
“During the two years, it should be free from government interference. That needs the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said, adding that a special Act could be passed in Parliament to form the group.
At the end of the two years, the result of the group’s work could be presented to Malaysians. “If found to be acceptable, Malaysia would have to reset herself,” he added.
He said the idea was based on Malaysia’s own experience when the National Operations Council or Mageran was set up after May 13.
Musa’s experience with political funding
The 87-year-old also shared his experience in politics. He started as a political secretary to the then transport minister Sardon Jubir in 1964.
He said money was not an issue as the spirit of sacrifice and enthusiasm was high especially after independence.
After the introduction of the New Economic Policy, he said, there was a realisation that money was a way to achieve political power.
During his tenure as Segamat Utara MP in Johor, Musa said he realised he needed money to donate at events in his constituency. He said he did so within his means.
“I never stopped reminding my constituents that if more money was needed, then I would have to get funds from other sources, even illegal contributions.
He said the party funded costs at divisional and constituency level.
“With BN winning and maintaining power, money was not a problem. But as it is said, power corrupts and inevitably an implosion happens and the damage is beyond repair,” he added.
Thus, he added, political financing and asset declaration needed a good system of auditing and enforcement.