Azalina said the government still requires feedback on many of the bill’s aspects, especially from members of civil society.
Speaking to reporters at the Asian International Arbitration Centre today, she said the government is organising engagement events with various levels of society throughout the nation.
“We will go down to the independent universities, and do more studies based on the issues raised. In some states, we will do town halls,” she said.
In November 2024, Azalina’s deputy, M Kula Segaran, said the proposed bill was still being studied by the special select committee on human rights, election, and institutional reform.
Azalina acknowledged the committee and the All-Party Parliamentary Group had reached a roadblock on discussions, adding that the impasse mainly involved experts on the matter.
“They have studied (the issues). Each of them have their own views. So, now, we’re opening up (for feedback from the public and political parties). We’re getting the political parties to send their written responses,” she said.
Last month, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki called for the enactment of a political financing law to be expedited, with an initial focus on regulating election campaign funding.
Azam said he had suggested to Azalina that it is best to start small, with a pilot phase.
“The next nationwide polls are just two-and-a-half years away. It’s best to table the bill and debate it now,” he said.
However, Azalina said the government must listen to what members of the public, who may have different opinions on the matter, have to say.
“I have 56,000 voters (in Pengerang). Some MPs have 125,000 (or) 150,000. Their numbers are bigger than mine, so they may have different issues.
“We must listen to what the rakyat say. The rakyat are getting clever. When they vote for you, their expectations are very high.
“They may say, ‘I helped you campaign; surely you’re not going to avoid my issues now that you’ve won’. We have to be fair. We have to listen to everyone block by block,” she said.
Azalina said the general consensus so far is that foreign donors should not be allowed to control Malaysia from the outside.
Asked if corporations will be included in discussions of the law, Azalina said ‘no’, adding that “donors are donors”.
“They can be anyone. They can be a company, a person or an NGO. Most importantly, they must not be a foreigner or foreign influence,” she said.