All state assemblypersons and executive councillors in Penang are to declare their assets.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the decision was reached at the state exco meeting today.
"As a government that walks the talk and fulfils its promises, we are all declaring our assets," he told a press conference afterwards.
The declaration will not include the assets of family members.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the decision was reached at the state exco meeting today.
"As a government that walks the talk and fulfils its promises, we are all declaring our assets," he told a press conference afterwards.
The declaration will not include the assets of family members.
Copies of the list of assets for each person, certified by independent auditors Grant Thorton, were distributed to reporters today.
When asked why the declaration does not include assets in their family names, Lim said that the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto for the 13th general election only states the declaration for state representatives.
“We have followed the manifesto closely, we should be proud of ourselves,” he said, while congratulating his team on their willingness to publicise their wealth.
Lim said his administration was doing things progressively, adding that he was already “under pressure” when urging others to declare their assets.
He added that questions should be asked to those who have yet to do the same, as the move should be adopted by all Pakatan states.
He did not deny that asking state reps to declare the assets of their families was in line with international standards.
“We are starting the process. If we go too far ahead too fast, it would be more difficult to take the second step,” he said.
“It is still not too difficult despite some arguments within,” he added.
When asked why the declaration does not include assets in their family names, Lim said that the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto for the 13th general election only states the declaration for state representatives.
“We have followed the manifesto closely, we should be proud of ourselves,” he said, while congratulating his team on their willingness to publicise their wealth.
Lim said his administration was doing things progressively, adding that he was already “under pressure” when urging others to declare their assets.
He added that questions should be asked to those who have yet to do the same, as the move should be adopted by all Pakatan states.
He did not deny that asking state reps to declare the assets of their families was in line with international standards.
“We are starting the process. If we go too far ahead too fast, it would be more difficult to take the second step,” he said.
“It is still not too difficult despite some arguments within,” he added.
BN reps invited to declare assets as well
Lim also extended an invitation to BN assemblypersons to declare their assets as well.
“If they agree, we are willing to pay for the auditors to audit their assets,” he said.
When asked if declaration of assets alone is sufficient to ensure transparency, Grant Thornton , the auditor for the assets, said their job is merely to verify what is given to them.
“It is not our responsibility to go (suggest) beyond that,” said the firm’s managing partner John Lau Tiang Hua, who was present with his team at the meeting.
“If they agree, we are willing to pay for the auditors to audit their assets,” he said.
When asked if declaration of assets alone is sufficient to ensure transparency, Grant Thornton , the auditor for the assets, said their job is merely to verify what is given to them.
“It is not our responsibility to go (suggest) beyond that,” said the firm’s managing partner John Lau Tiang Hua, who was present with his team at the meeting.
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