'Haul from Najib-linked properties is why reps need to declare assets'

The sheer size of the haul from police seizures on properties linked to former premier Najib Abdul Razak makes asset declarations by politicians a necessary exercise, de facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim said today.

He also called for continuous scrutiny of all ministers and leaders by independent bodies, to prevent a recurrence of such a "tragedy."

Speaking to Astro Awani, Anwar termed the extravagance "shameful and appalling."

"The seizure not only shows how broken our system is, but also that it is becoming rampant.

"The current administration should take seriously the value of the seizure, which is the biggest in the country's history," he said in the interview, which will be broadcast on the news channel tomorrow night.

Anwar is currently warded at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) for a prolapsed disc.

He was responding to the police's revelation earlier today that the items seized during May raids on properties linked to former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak have an estimated retail value of between RM910 million and RM1.1 billion.

This included jewellery, handbags, luxury watches, sunglasses, and even tiaras.

Commenting further, Anwar said that the lesson to be learned from the episode is that ministers and political leaders should be constantly monitored.

"How are their expenses? Their houses, their functions, and routine?

“If not (scrutinised), such incidents will happen again, and it will go against with the oath of office they have taken," he said. - Mkini

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