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A DEBATE long left unresolved has returned to the centre of parliamentary discourse following a warning by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, that no one in public office would be beyond scrutiny, reigniting questions over whether all members of parliament should be compelled to declare their assets.
The issue surfaced during the opening of the first meeting of the fifth session of the 15th Parliament, when the King called for uncompromising good governance and accountability, prompting renewed scrutiny of existing integrity mechanisms and their effectiveness in curbing corruption.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said he did not dismiss asset declarations outright, but raised doubts over the necessity of forcing MPs without executive authority to publicly disclose their wealth.
He cautioned that such a requirement could expose certain lawmakers to personal danger, particularly those with significant assets who do not receive the security protection accorded to ministers.
"You have to understand, if someone becomes a minister, their home will be guarded by the police. But not all MPs receive that kind of protection," he said.
Hamzah also questioned whether mandatory declarations would entail additional security arrangements, such as personal bodyguards, and warned against policies that prioritise appearance over impact.
"These measures should not be implemented merely for self-satisfaction."
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man struck a more guarded tone, saying the party supported asset declarations for individuals with access to government resources, whom he said were more vulnerable to accusations and negative public perceptions.
He stressed, however, that disclosure alone was insufficient to eradicate corruption or abuse of power.
"Although asset declarations alone cannot guarantee the absence of corruption or abuse of power, Pas welcomes His Majesty's call to eliminate corruption at the grassroots level.
"Legal measures alone are insufficient; this requires the cultivation of spiritual values, moral integrity and piety," he said.
Tuan Ibrahim added that declarations should be confined to submission to the prime minister and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission rather than being made public, citing concerns for personal and family safety.
"Such disclosure could pose security risks for individuals and their family members in today's age of open media and widespread misinformation," he said.
In contrast, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi voiced firm support for mandatory asset declarations covering all MPs and state assemblymen, while arguing that reform must extend beyond elected representatives.
"The king wants corruption eradicated completely. Systems of checks and balances regarding MACC transparency must be strengthened to ensure that the commission is independent, fearless and impartial. Only then can corruption be fully combated," he said.
The former Batu Pahat MP also called for broad reforms to the MACC and more effective enforcement of the Whistleblower Act, which he described as critical to restoring public confidence.
"The MACC appears bold in some cases, such as prosecuting two generals, but hesitant in others, including the Sabah mineral corruption case.
"One of the most disappointing issues is the lack of transparency in the Whistleblower Act. The Sabah case is a clear example of its shortcomings. I propose public engagement sessions involving NGOs and the community to hear feedback and suggestions."
From the government side, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok of DAP questioned why asset declarations were no longer mandatory, noting that the practice had been standard under previous administrations.
"We already made asset declaration a requirement in the last government.
"So why, under this Madani government, are MPs not asked to declare their assets?" she asked.
Kok argued that declarations alone would not be enough to address corruption, calling instead for structural reforms, including the long-delayed Political Financing Act.
"It is important to pass the Political Financing Act so there will be better oversight, and everyone will be mindful of their political expenses."
She also proposed state funding for political parties, saying excessive campaign costs often fuel corrupt behaviour.
Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim echoed support for asset declarations, particularly for officeholders with control over public finances.
"I agree, especially for those in government with authority over financial decisions."
Taking a more uncompromising position, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim of PKR called for mandatory asset declarations for all elected representatives, pointing to a growing number of corruption cases involving senior politicians.
"The list of former MPs who have been charged or investigated by the MACC keeps growing," he said, urging the government to introduce legislation making disclosure compulsory across the board.
Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul said Parliament could study the feasibility of introducing mandatory asset declarations, signalling that the issue remains under active consideration.
Johari said the proposal was worth examining as part of broader efforts to strengthen integrity and transparency in the august house. - January 26, 2026