Money in politics: a recipe for corruption in Malaysia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to investigate how money in politics contributes to corruption in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach: This study used in-depth semi-structured interviews to collect primary data. The interviews were conducted with two elite groups comprising seven politicians and seven corporate leaders. Data were then analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings: The findings indicate how money in politics contributes to corruption in Malaysia. Various types of corruption in the country are identified, namely political donation, bribery and money politics. This study also provides evidence of the underlying factors driving money politics. Practical implications: This paper offers valuable insights to policymakers and enforcement agencies for vigorous prosecution or appropriate sanction against the perpetrators. Especially on the weak regulation of political finance in Malaysia, this paper provides insights into how the weakness is used to manufacture corruption. Originality/value: This paper provides evidence of how money politics cultivate corrupt activities, which are relatively sensitive and controversial by nature. The rarely obtained views from the elite groups provide a significant value to research. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Keywords
Corruption, Elites, Malaysia, Money politics, Political financing
Divisions
bisnesaccount,Finance_and_Banking
Funders
Universiti Malaya [Grant No:GPF7i-2018]
Publication Title
Journal of Financial Crime
Volume
28
Issue
2
Publisher
Emerald Publishing