Assets deadline pushed out

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has decided to give chairpersons and university council members more time to comply with newly established rules on declaring their assets and debts.

In a statement, the anti-graft agency said post holders are obligated to declare their wealth under the new law, but they will be granted a further 60 days to prepare.

The deadline was extended from Dec 2 to Jan 31 so it would not interfere with the running of university affairs, the NACC said.

University councils have called for a review of the regulation out of concern it could trigger a mass exodus of members loath to see the details of their assets and liabilities go public.

The NACC has stood its ground despite protests from some council members. The agency said the new law requires state officials to declare all of their assets for the sake of transparency.

High-ranking officials are already required by law to declare their assets and debts, as well as those belonging to their spouses and children. The same holds true for those who rank as holders of political office.

The new regulation, published in the Royal Gazette on Nov 1, offers details as to which public office holders will be subject to it.

Many of them hold senior positions of the rank of a ministerial deputy or permanent secretary, deputy directorsgeneral of departments, deputy university rectors or other officials holding equivalent positions.

Another new rule will require lowerranked officials to submit declarations of their assets and debts to their superiors.