Mat Sabu backs MACC assets declaration move

SUNGAI BULOH: Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu feels the proposal by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for ministers to declare their assets only to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and not to the public, is the right move.

He said this was to avoid certain quarters from making judgments based simply on the assets declared.

For example, when a person who is already rich becomes an MP or minister, some quarters would perceive his wealth was due to his position in the government.

“MACC would know if an increase in an individual’s assets was due to his wages and allowances or through unhealthy means. Which is why MACC is the best body for us to declare our assets to, because while some among the public are wise to judge, others might not be,” he said after the 53rd Armed Forces Cooperative annual general meeting at the Sungai Buloh army camp yesterday.

However, Transparency International Malaysia head Datuk Akhbar Satar said it would be good practice if the declaration is made to MACC and also the public.

He said such a disclosure is a powerful deterrent against unethical behaviour and serves as a reminder that any wayward acts involving public funds can be subjected to scrutiny by the public.

“The names of the top 10 richest Malaysians are often published in the media and none have faced any issues declaring their wealth. In the Philippines and Thailand, it has been implemented successfully.”