I am now tuning up asset declaration system with MACC: Anwar

PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is in the midst of discussing a better method on politicians’ asset declaration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Speaking to a press conference after attending the unity government pre-budget dialogue today, the Tambun MP said the current asset declaration system is not transparent and there are politicians who lie about their true financial status.

“Declarations of assets were a farce in the past because people can have hundreds of millions but only declare that they have RM10 to RM11 million.

“We must make the parameters clear. I am in discussion with government agencies such as MACC to make this more transparent. Otherwise, people will make a mockery of it,” said Anwar, adding that he was “shocked” to see the data in government files.

He added that right now, asset declarations are nothing more than political gimmicks to satisfy the public and civil society, but they do not reflect a politician’s real wealth.

The prime minister requested some time to go through the process in order to create a more transparent asset declaration system, instead of satisfying public demands in a shallow manner. – The Vibes, January 17, 2023

Additional reporting by Fitri Nizam