MACC To Make MP Asset Database Public
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) has said that it will be uploading a database of assets belonging to Pakatan Harapan members of parliament to its website. The move is part of government efforts to become more transparent, with the information going public next month.
MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Shamsun Baharin Mohd Jamil said that this will be the first time that assets belonging to parliamentary members will be available for public viewing through the MACC website. However, he also noted that the agency has not received a complete list of assets. This is despite the Prime Minister’s office having given MPs three months since their appointment to do so.
According to Shamsun Baharin, the MACC is still keeping to its October 1 deadline for publishing the information. Allowing the public to clearly see who hasn’t kept up with the directive.
The new Pakatan Harapan government has been working to reduce corruption within the civil service, and it is hoped that a declaration of assets will make MPs more accountable to the public. Such a move is not necessarily unusual for developed nations, with many requiring politicians to declare their assets when appointed to government positions.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is said to have ordered all ministers, deputies, and political secretaries to submit a list of assets shortly after taking control of the government.
