Many opposition MPs still haven’t declared assets, says deputy speaker

Rashid Hasnon, deputy speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.

MACHANG: Many opposition Members of Parliament especially those with Barisan Nasional, have yet to declare their assets despite the easy process involved, said Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Mohd Rashid Hasnon.

He said government MPs had complied from the time when they were still in the opposition.

Rashid said a declaration of assets was important to avoid conflict of interests and false accusations from taking place and simultaneously boost the people’s trust in politicians.

‘’The process is so simple. In Parliament itself, there are representatives who can confirm the assets held by an MP. If someone has bought a house or land after having made his declaration of assets, he can just include it in the first declaration

‘In Penang, we have appointed two firms to audit any declaration of assets made,’’ he said.

He said this to reporters after a forum on parliamentary reforms at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Machang here today.

Mohd Rashid said among the hottest issues on the declaration of assets was linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal involving former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

‘’Declaration of assets can bar any individual or institution from corrupt practices and at the same time, we must eradicate them through drafting of acts and others.

‘’I implemented improvements (declaration of assets) when I was Penang second deputy Chief Minister and the same thing is being done in Parliament,’’ he said.

Nevertheless, he said it was not easy to ask any MP to do so although the government had the authority. - FMT