PM: Old asset declaration system a 'farce'

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that the MACC is fine-tuning the asset declaration system for top government officials.

Speaking to reporters in Putrajaya today, Anwar described the previous system as a "farce" and did not reflect the true wealth of some of the participants.

"You are satisfied, the people are satisfied, civil society is satisfied but it does not actually represent their (top officials’) real wealth.

"Let us go through the process again so that whatever they are making is more responsible and transparent instead of being a political gimmick," he added.

Anwar said this when asked if he had received asset declarations from his cabinet members and whether the information will be made public.

Pakatan Harapan promised that all MPs, senior civil servants, government-linked company (GLC) chairpersons, as well as their spouses and close family members aged 18 and above, must declare their assets.

The coalition did not make it clear if this declaration had to be made public.

Some PKR candidates declared their assets prior to the Nov 19 general election, including Anwar, the party president.

Anwar’s asset declaration

‘Clearer parameters needed’

To make asset declarations more transparent, Anwar has roped in various agencies for talks on the matter.

"The declaration of assets was a farce in the past because people can have hundreds of millions but declare RM11 or RM12 million.

"We must make sure the parameters are clear. I am in discussion with various agencies, including the MACC to make (the process) transparent," he said.

In 2018, the Dr Mahathir Mohamad administration required all government MPs to declare their assets and those declarations were published on the MACC website.

The next two prime ministers had no such requirements. - Mkini