ASSET DECLARATION MOTION TO BE TABLED
It should not be limited to govt MPs, says Dr M
AMOTION warranting a mandatory declaration of assets by lawmakers from both sides of the political divide will be tabled at the upcoming parliamentary sitting.
In confirming this, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said once approved, the declaration of assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would serve as a deterrent, preventing members of parliament from abusing their positions.
He said such a move should not be limited to government MPs, but also members of the opposition.
“By right, all (MPs from Pakatan Harapan and the opposition) must declare their assets. Even the opposition have their influence. Having said that, we should not use our influence to get financial rewards.”
He was asked to comment on reports that the Pakatan Harapan government would be tabling a
motion making it compulsory for all MPs, including those in the opposition as well as their family members, to declare their income and assets to MACC.
The motion is expected to be tabled by a minister in the Prime Minister ’s Department during the next parliamentary sitting, which commences on July 1 until July 18.
“We will table the motion. Whether it is going to be passed or otherwise (in Parliament), that’s another question,” Dr Mahathir said.
At present, only PH lawmakers are required to declare their assets and income, which are publicly listed on the MACC website.
In an exclusive report last year, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (prevention) Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil had said that a new law on a mandatory declaration of assets by elected representatives was “in the works”.
Shamshun had said the initiative to introduce such a legislation came following PH’s move to make it compulsory for its MPs and government administrative personnel to submit their asset declaration to MACC.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir launched the “Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes Exhibition” at the Pavilion shopping complex.
Initially held in Singapore last year, the exhibition, which will run from June 28 to Oct 27, celebrates Marvel Studios’ 10-year anniversary and its 22 films over the past decade.
Asked who his favourite Marvel Universe character was, Dr Mahathir replied: “The big one.”
He nodded when asked if he was referring to the super villain Thanos.
Present at the event were Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof and Dr Mahathir’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.