Datuk Seri Najib Razak says GLCs may fund politicians and political parties as part of corporate social responsibility initiatives. ― File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 ― Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said that government-linked companies (GLCs) may channel funds to politicians and political parties under corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

In a written reply to Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Najib, who is also finance minister, said requests for “contributions” from such sources are treated the same way as those originating from citizens groups.

“For your information, government-owned companies through the Finance Ministry Incorporated and GLCs do not have a specific annual allocation to be channelled to politicians or political parties.

“However, when there is a request for contribution from the said parties, it will then be managed similar to how financial contributions are channelled by NGOs, that is based on the need of the organisation and the available balance in the budget for CSR at the time the request is made,” Najib said.

Examples of when aid was given to political recipients include funding for school sporting events, aid for flash flood victims, to organise buka puasa events and Hari Raya celebrations, as well as festive contributions for orphans, single mothers, and the disabled.

Abdul Khalid had asked the minister to state the amount of annual funding from GLCs that has been channelled to politicians and political parties from 1981 till 2014, and if there are any plans to stop such a practice.