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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright March 2024
The recent charge against Tun Daim Zainuddin for failing to declare his assets has reignited a crucial debate on transparency and accountability within the Malaysian government. Lawyer and activist Charles Hector rightly points out that asset declaration by Cabinet ministers and MPs is essential to ensure that their earnings are clean and free from corruption.
Hector's call for all asset declarations, past and present, to be available online for public scrutiny is not only valid but necessary.
Transparency breeds trust, and the public deserves to know if their representatives are enriching themselves through illicit means.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's declaration of RM11.2 million in assets in 2022 was a step in the right direction, but it can not be a one-off event. The lack of subsequent declarations raises questions about the government's commitment to transparency.
Hector's suggestion of a comprehensive, always-open-to-the-public asset declaration system is a practical solution. It would allow citizens to scrutinize declarations and report any discrepancies or false information.
Ultimately, the purpose of asset declaration is to prevent abuse of power and ensure that MPs, senators, and cabinet members serve the public interest, not their own.
Anwar's government must take heed of these calls for transparency and enact laws that make false declarations punishable by law.
Only then can Malaysia move towards a government that truly serves its people. Only then can we truly believe that the Madani government is sincere about "Reformasi".
Going after Tun Daim in his Twilight Years is not enough to show it is sincere about asset declaration. The current ministers ought to do likewise to enhance the credibility of Anwar's cabinet and his government.
Let's start with PMX himself. Asset declaration is imperative to restore faith in the cleanliness of its leaders.
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