Cabinet to discuss new format for ministers, aides, MPs' asset declarations

A new format for asset declarations is in the works, in line with the government's goals to promote transparency.

A new guideline has also been greenlit to ensure that appointees to statutory bodies are not corrupt.

In a statement today, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that asset declarations for "members of the administration" and MPs would be enforced again and that the new format would be presented to the cabinet soon.

The Federal Constitution defines members of the administration as ministers, deputy ministers, as well as their Parliament and political secretaries.

The decision to revive asset declarations was made at a special cabinet committee on national governance today.

The last time asset declarations by lawmakers and ministers were made public was during the first Pakatan Harapan administration.

New guideline for appointments

During the 15th general election campaign, PKR also made asset declarations for all their candidates public.

Anwar Ibrahim himself declared at the time a net asset of RM11.18 million.

Last year, as prime minister, Anwar said the old asset declaration system was a "farce" and that the MACC was working on improvements.

Meanwhile, besides the new format for asset declarations, the PMO said that the national governance committee also approved a new guideline for the appointment of chairpersons and directors to statutory bodies.

Notably, new appointees would have to be vetted by the MACC, the Insolvency Department, and the police.

Further, the government also wants to strengthen internal audits in statutory bodies, besides improving the governance, structure, and composition of each body's board of directors. - Mkini