Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) welcomes the asset declaration of certain members of the Cabinet on the public portal hosted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
However, President of TI- Malaysia Muhammad Mohan notes that the website which was reported as “part of a move towards greater government transparency” only features the total income and net assets of 57 out of 70
members of the Cabinet, with several key ministers and deputies missing from the declaration list.
Additionally, the website does not break down the sources of the income or the roles of these lawmakers in organisations outside of the state and federal government.
TI-Malaysia lauds the move of the MACC and the commitment from the ruling Perikatan Nasional government in increasing transparency and urges the government to continue down this path and extend the requirement across all members of parliament.
Members of Parliament of the opposition declared their assets when the Pakatan Harapan government was in power, hence they should have no qualms about continuing to be accountable to their electorate, regardless which side of the Dewan Rakyat they may be seated.
Furthermore, the asset declaration should disclose all sources of income, roles held by the MPs, and a breakdown of their salaries and allowances.
However, as long as these declarations are voluntary, they may one day conveniently disappear according to the whims and fancies of those in power. The best solution in this respect towards achieving greater transparency and eliminating corruption in public office would be the passing a Parliamentary Asset Declaration Act that makes it compulsory for all elected representatives and senators to declare assets, income and other relevant financial information, in a public registry which is openly available and updated at regular intervals.
All elected officials are accountable and answerable to their electorate. The Rakyat are tired of being taken for a ride and inundated with and scandals involving big businesses, taxpayer money and public officials.
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Note to Editors: For clarification on any and all official statements from Transparency International – Malaysia (TI-M), kindly refer to its President, Dr Muhammad Mohan (mmohan@transparency.org.my)
