MACC recommends act for mandatory asset declaration

 

The MACC has recommended that an act be enacted in Parliament to make it compulsory for members of the government administration, Parliament, and the senate to declare their assets.

MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil said this was because as of now, no clear punishment could be taken against those who did not do so.

He said in 2019, the Dewan Rakyat unanimously approved a motion to make it compulsory for all MPs to declare their assets to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, and for a copy to be given to the MACC.

“The MACC only acts as the 'custodian' (guardian) of the information in this matter. The Commission will then display it on the Asset Declaration Portal within three months after it is declared,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters online today on the MACC's achievements in the prevention sector.

According to him, as of July 6, 97 members of the administration, 198 MPs, and 39 senators have declared their assets, while six members of the administration, 22 MPs, and 26 senators were yet to do so.

He said currently, there was no specific law with regard to the declaration of assets, and the MACC could not do any verification on the declaration documents received.

"Investigations are only conducted on individuals who are seen leading extravagant lifestyles beyond their income level under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009," he said.

Commenting further, he said Malaysia could follow the lead of neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand which already had legal provisions in place with regard to asset declaration.

Meanwhile, he said MACC succeeded in raising the bar in the fight against corruption, gaining recognition from various international organisations including the South East Asia Parties Against Corruption, the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and the International Criminal Police Organisation.

He said the MACC also received recognition from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime which provided assessments based on the check and balance mechanism in the commission to carry out its duties in an independent, transparent, and professional manner.

- Bernama