Establish a detailed political funding system for country's future - Subramaniam

Malaysia needs a foolproof system to control political funding and make sure that the system is put right, said MIC acting president Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam.

Applauding the formation of the National Consultative Committee for Political Funding (JKNMPP) , he said the government needs to create a detailed and proper system to the country's to implement control over the funding.

"We did not discuss much on this (during the meeting with the Prime Minister), but what's important is to ensure the system is put right.

"Politics still needs funding and we cannot run from it," he told reporters after opening the Ministry of Health's Scientific Optometry Conference here, Saturday.

Citing the United States, Subramaniam said a good system allows a more transparent control over political funds.

"The US presidential election is the most expensive election in the world. They collect the largest amount of funds and they have the system to do it.

"So we also need to see how we can create a proper system, and run in a transparent manner to avoid problems in the future," he added.

Commenting further on the JKNMPP, he said MIC has always been prepared for it and that it was the best long term move for political parties and for the future.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the establishment of JKNMPP to draw up a political funding action plan of integrity that is comprehensive and inclusive.

He said said the committee would come up with an action plan for political funding with integrity through necessary reforms and improvement of the law within one year and subsequently implement it before the next general election.