GE15: Hidden motive behind politicians who refuse to declare assets - Akhbar Satar

KUALA LUMPUR: Politicians should not be afraid to declare their assets if they have done nothing wrong, Malaysia Association of Certified Fraud Examiners president Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar says.

He said their refusal to do so gave the impression that they wanted to hide something from the knowledge of the authorities and the public.

He asserted that the declaration of assets before contesting and, even better, after the individuals assumed office was an action that reflected the transparency and integrity of a politician.

"Most of our politicians do not want to declare because there is a hidden motive, because if you have been a politician for decades, it is difficult to explain (where the money comes from).

"I think this should be done by all candidates, to show the community that it is not wrong if the wealth is owned without being involved in corruption," he said in the Agenda Awani programme on Saturday.

He said, politicians needed to be brave enough to admit that they had a lot of money and that the wealth should be used to help improve the lives of the people who elected them as representatives. – Astro Awani