Gov't seeks to make asset declaration compulsory for all MPs - source

The Pakatan Harapan administration is expected to table a motion in the Dewan Rakyat to make it compulsory for all MPs, including those in the opposition, and their families to declare their incomes and assets to the MACC.

According to a government source, the motion would be tabled by a minister in the Prime Minister's Department next week. The next Dewan Rakyat session would be from July 1-18.

Currently, only Harapan MPs are required to declare their assets and income to the MACC as part of a policy which has not been codified in law.

These declarations are publicly listed on the MACC website.

On March 18, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim called on the government to make asset declaration mandatory.

"I would like to urge the government to introduce laws to make asset declaration compulsory for all MPs, ministers, senators, political appointees in ministries, GLCs and federal government agencies," he told Parliament.

On May 14, a special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption chaired by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad stated that in line with the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019-2023, all MPs should also declare their assets to match their commitments to combat corruption.

Last month, a survey carried out by the UCSI Poll Research Centre between May 20 and 29 found that 61.1 percent of respondents believed declaring assets would serve as a powerful anti-corruption tool.

Amongst other major bills expected to be tabled in the coming Dewan Rakyat session include the Amendment to Article 119 of the Federal Constitution, that is, to amend the eligibility age for voting to 18, bills on the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), abolition of the mandatory death penalty and the National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC). - Mkini