PUTRAJAYA must form a representative group – minus partisan politicians – to deal with issues plaguing the country, said former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam today.

Musa said this is a follow-up to the memorandum of understanding for political stability and institutional reforms between the government and Pakatan Harapan.

Now is the right time for non-partisan individuals and groups to unite and contribute towards real national service, he said in his keynote speech during an online forum this morning.

“All of us have been looking into the same issues, and each has his or her own explanation on their angle in approaching the various subjects.

“But, if all of us can get organised in a non-partisan way, with focus and full dedication, it can be done,” he said, adding that governance issues in Malaysia are well-known.

Musa said with a possible general election looming, leadership uncertainties and political grouping realignments, there is no better time for non-partisans to get together and contribute.

He said the representative group should not last for more than two years, adding that an in-depth study must be done on membership numbers.

“Activities, duties, rights and responsibilities should (be done in the) span of that two years, but be free from government or partisan politician interference.

“All matters related to the group will be done with the consent and approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and a special Act needs to be tabled and passed.”

Musa said his idea is based on the May 13 incident, and the two-year lifespan of the group is to give it ample time to cover and deal with the multifaceted issues in the country.

He said politicians in the 60s – back when political funding was not an issue – were more enthusiastic.

“Money was never an issue. The spirit of sacrifice and enthusiasm were there based on the spirit of gotong-royong.”

However, he said, after the National Economic Policy (NEP) was implemented, the Malays realised money is a tool to climb up the political ladder.

“NEP and its apparent success made Malays enter the modern world and realise that money is the political ladder to climb to achieve power in government.

“When I was elected MP, I realised soon enough that money was much needed, donations here and there, events here and there. An MP is without question the presumptive provider of funds.”

The Heroik: Series of International Conference on Political Party Finance Reform Agenda is organised by Bersih 2.0, Ideas and Perludem – an Indonesia-based organisation. – October 1, 2021.