VILLAIN turned hero turned villain again Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, national Bersatu delegate and former Election Commission chairman, has attracted much criticism for suggesting that Bersatu members use government channels to win contracts or to win elections “by hook and by crook”. He was roundly criticised by both members of his own party and its allies, especially DAP, whose leaders issued a few official statements rebuking him.

Generally, the criticism is centred around how the new government alliance risked going back to “Umno’s ways”. But truth be told, there already many things the new alliance is doing that isn’t too far away from what was being practised by the previous government.

The reality is, sadly, that Abdul Rashid was merely echoing the wishes of the grassroots. Grassroots who feel the time is ripe for contracts and plush political appointments. A take home gift or two? Maybe nothing nearly as much as Umno and BN used shower lavishly on their followers, but surely a Herschel backpack, priced at “just” below RM500 is acceptable?

The problem is systemic – every facet of government has been too deeply intertwined with ruling political parties – from municipal to ministerial appointments to awarding of contracts, many of which used to be dubious, duplicated or in some cases, even completely made-up! Stopping this completely too quickly, may create too big a vacuum in the system created to support 13 component parties and manifold more affiliated organisations.

However, the fact that the new ruling coalition is much leaner and generally less exposed to political largesse and rewards, and that the civil service is still finding its footing with regard to dealing with members of the ruling coalition, presenta an opportunity to reboot the system and, if not completely dismantle the corrupt system, to reduce it significantly. The expectations of ruling party members need to reflect genuine reasons for joining politics, and that should not include rewards and self-serving interests only. The spirit needs to be one of activism, checks and balances and fighting for real causes.

Malaysian expectations of politicians need to change too. If corruption was what people voted to change, they need to adjust their expectations of their local grassroots politicians. Expecting them to help expedite road repairs is fine, but expecting a feast every Hari Raya or Lantern Festival complete with lucky draw and money packets would force the politicians in question to source for political funds in the forms of contracts, or donations that would make him or her beholden to a benefactor, usually complete with ulterior motives.

Most progressive democracies have legislation governing electoral and political donations. While the Malaysian Election Commission and bodies like Bersih have general guidelines, lack of real political will has hindered us from reform in this regard. In the US, political donations from individuals are capped at about US$10,000 (RM41,000) while the maximum allowed for corporations for federal political parties at about three times that amount. All transactions are transparent and public knowledge. In Malaysia however, most of these transactions aren’t really public knowledge, and are for the most part private donations by generous benefactors. This is unhealthy as this could put the politically in charge in a position of conflict of interest. For example, a person holding a health portfolio should not be allowed to accept donations from a tobacco company.

GLCs should also not be misused to fund political parties. Nor should political parties be allowed to amass funds and assets in the billions, as practised in the past.

The suggestion for the government to fund political parties from both ends, is a welcome one and should be given due consideration. A fund, like Short or Cranborne Money in the UK could be introduced and proportionate funding drawn from it. This would prevent muddling government and party funds, a direct shortcut to eventually muddling government and party affairs. – January 2, 2019.

* Emmanuel Joseph firmly believes that Klang is the best place on Earth, and that motivated people can do far more good than any leader with motive.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.