SHAH ALAM - "Good move,” politicians praise announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that heads of government-linked companies (GLC), government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and members of the judiciary are now required to declare their assets.
Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said it was a good start and that Pakatan Harapan (PH) has always been in favour off but insisted that it was nowhere enough to curb corruption if their immediate family members were not included in the list as well.
"Asset declaration alone is insufficient if we do not widen to include family members since we have heard of cases where immediate family members become the proxy,” he told Sinar Daily, adding that the PH government began declaration of assets for MPs first during their reign.
Fahmi said the declarations should also be made public with the exception of personal information like identification number or address.
He said details such as net worth and what kinds of asset they hold should be known in order to match what they have declared.
"People can observe, perhaps if they are living extravagantly or see if their lifestyle suits what they can afford,” he said.
However, he reiterated that it was important to understand that asset declaration was not enough if the intention is to curb corruption.
Fahmi said if any of them feel that the declaration was an invasion to their privacy, it was something that they should accept due to their positions.
"That’s the price you pay to be the heads of GLC, GLICs or members of the judiciary.
"If you don’t want that, you should not offer your services,” he said.
Johor Umno Deputy Chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed shared similar sentiments, agreeing the move was a positive step for the government as it could rebuild the reputation of state authorities such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
He said he hoped for the motion to clear any distrust to the civil servants and prove MACC’s integrity following the stock trading scandal of its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
"I hoped for the motion to remove the perception that civil servants are corrupted and MACC is capable of being a trusted intermediary.
"I hope it will breathe new life into MACC and regain the trust of the people,” the former Deputy Home Minister said.
Meanwhile, DAP's Jelutong MP RSN Rayer said the prime minister and his Cabinet should set an example by declaring their assets.
He said all Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional MPs should first declare their assets first before asking GLCs and GLICs heads as well the judiciary members to declare their assets.
"We, the opposition MPs have declared our assets already. Why can't the PM, his Cabinet and all BN and PN’s MPs do the same? "Do it first before asking others to do it. Practice what you preach. Lead by example,” he said.
In Aug 2020, then de facto Law Minister Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan stated that as of July 29 that same year, over 184 lawmakers had declared their assets to the MACC. There are a total of 222 Parliamentary Seats in Malaysia.
Yesterday, Ismail Sabri said GLC, GLICs and members of the judiciary were now required to declare their assets with details of this new code of ethics would be announced by the MACC later.
He added that the asset declaration mechanism for members of the government administration, MPs and senators woudl also be enhanced to boost the government’s credibility and integrity.