LAW enforcement officers will be equipped with body cameras in an effort to curb corruption as well as to reinforce professionalism, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

Dr Mahathir also said cameras in five police lock-up centres will be upgraded.

“We will enforce body cameras on police, immigration and customs so that we can know what they are up to… if there is corruption or abuse.

“People can complain but we need proof, so body camera can show us what happened. However, not all officers will wear it, only certain officers will have to wear them,” Dr Mahathir said after chairing an anti-corruption meeting in Putrajaya.

“We will also be installing cameras in five police lock-up centres,” he added.

However, Dr Mahathir said the government has not decided when the body camera will be implemented.

Dr Mahathir told reporters that the equipment will be made available when the government has the budget.

“We do not know yet. When we have the money. At the moment we will prioritise important matters first,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also said the government will table the Political Funding Bill during the October parliamentary session.

He said while political parties need money to operate, there needs to be a law to prevent corruption from taking place in political funding.

“It is going to be in Parliament. Of course, political parties need money but we don’t want the money to be pocketed by some people who collect the money. We must have proper documents to show the manner of how the money was given.

“At the moment, people can give cash to some leaders who claim to be representing the party but it may go into their pockets. We need to know how much money goes in or whether it is really a donation,” Dr Mahathir said.

It is believed that Dr Mahathir was referring to the money received by Umno before the last general election.

Umno’s account has been frozen by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after it was alleged that funds channelled into the party’s account are linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Former president Najib Razak has repeatedly said the money in the party’s account was from a Saudi prince who donated millions of dollars for Umno’s preparation prior to the 14th general election. – September 19, 2019.