PM, cabinet members urged to declare assets

PETALING JAYA: Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has urged Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his cabinet members and heads of public institutions to declare their assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
TI-M president Datuk Akhbar Satar said the process was meant to avoid any clash of interest as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
In a statement, Akhbar said the declaration to MACC was the first step before a public declaration that need to be done by top government officials via online.
He said the asset declaration practice should also be extended to the spouses and close family members of the affected individuals.
He also urged for MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Shukri Abdull to declare his assets to the Parliament.
"Having such practice will avoid any issues of false allegation (against the officeholders) and increases public's trust on political institution and civil service," he said.
"It can also can help in overcoming issues on conflict of interest and liability," he said in a statement.
Akhbar said the declaration must be done before or after the individual has held to his position, with net value analysis to be done periodically on annual basis.
"In this context, MACC has forensic account experts and investigators that can scrutinise and monitor the declared assets, as well as taking further action on those who has failed to comply," he said.
Akhbar said the current practice only needed for cabinet members to declare their assets directly to the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, top office bearers in ministries and departments including the Attorney-General, Chief Justice and Inspector-General of Police would make declaration to the Chief Secretary to the Government.