The Election Commission (EC) should be given the power to conduct audit of accounts belonging to political parties, as well as expenses of contesting candidates during elections, EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said.
He said, at present, the EC was only entrusted to receive reports on candidates' expenses after the election was concluded.
"Right now, the EC has no power to audit, we only receive report on expenses (of candidates) throughout the official campaigning period.
"The report usually comes in the form of receipts and bills which showed the details of the candidates' expenses based on the given amount of RM200,000 for parliamentary seat candidate and RM100,000 for state seat candidate," he told reporters after attending the EC's 58th anniversary celebration here today.
Abdul Aziz, however, said although the EC did not have the power to conduct the audit, there were other relevant authorities that could do so, including the National Audit Department.
He said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) was also responsible to carry out a probe should there exist elements of corruption in the elections.
When asked on the formation of the National Consultative Committee On Political Funding, Abdul Aziz said the EC was prepared to be part of the committee if invited.
"If we are invited, we will attend, but it is not a necessity for us to be part of the committee, they can always contact us should the need arise," he said.
The EC chairman said the formation of the committee was also a good move as it could prevent any political parties from being deluged with baseless accusations.
The formation of the committee was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Aug 14, to draw up a comprehensive and inclusive action plan of integrity for political funding which to be implemented before the 14th general election.
Bernama
Fri Sep 04 2015
ABDUL AZIZ: Currently, the EC is only entrusted to receive reports on candidates' expenses after the election concludes.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.