Money in politics: a recipe for corruption in Malaysia
ISSN: 1359-0790
Article publication date: 26 October 2020
Issue publication date: 4 June 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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Declaration: This study has been funded by the Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, Malaysia (GPF7i-2018).
It is acknowledged that further research with a larger sample size comprising the elites may produce different findings. Another comparison involving other groups of participants with the same theory or a different yet relevant theory may unveil another insightful story.
Citation
Abas Azmi, K.S. and Zainudin, R. (2021), "Money in politics: a recipe for corruption in Malaysia", Journal of Financial Crime, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 593-606. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-07-2020-0147
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited