‘STAFF MUST DECLARE ASSETS’
Syed Saddiq wants ministry to lead in integrity, good governance
THE Youth and Sports Ministry is set to become the first ministry to require all its staff attached to the minister’s office to declare their assets.
Its minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, said he was committed to making his ministry the leader in terms of integrity and good governance.
“From Oct 1, all ministers will be required to declare their assets, which will be displayed on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) online portal for public viewing.
“Everyone will be able to view and make comparisons if previously, someone who had RM300,000, then has RM300 million within 10 years; that is an indication that something isn’t right.
“Based on the ‘Malaysia Baru initiative, the ministry has also embarked on changes. The tender process will be open and transparent.
“I won’t be alone in declaring my assets, as my colleagues in the minister’s office will also be making asset declarations,” he said.
He was speaking after attending the Varsity Anti-Corruption Convention at Universiti Malaysia Perlis yesterday.
Syed Saddiq said the youth needed to develop an “allergy” to corruption, which he said could ruin government administration.
The youth, he said, must be brave in challenging corruption and abuse of power.
He said it was impossible for Malaysia to become a major nation within 10 to 20 years if corruption was not stamped out by the present generation.
“This is why we want to educate our young to adopt a culture of high integrity and anti-corruption.
“I am confident that the youth of today are wiser in evaluating the corruption menace as they are more exposed to national issues,” he said.