Special motion to compel all MPs to declare their assets tabled in Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: A special motion to compel all lawmakers to declare their assets was tabled in Parliament on Monday (July 1).

The motion proposed that those who failed to declare their assets would be hauled to the Parliament's Select Committee on Rights and Privileges Committee.

However, MPs who make false declarations will be subjected to prosecution under Section 3, Act 783 (Statutory Declaration) and Section 193 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term not exceeding three years or a fine.

The motion was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong, who said that the motion was based on the principle of accountability and transparency.

The asset declaration, once approved, will compel all Dewan Rakyat members to declare their property, including that of their spouses, children and trustees in a Statutory Declaration, as prescribed by the Speaker.

"The Statutory Declaration shall be submitted to the Yang di-Pertua within three months from the date of this motion is agreed upon and copied to the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

"The list of the members of the Dewan Rakyat who have declared their property shall be displayed on the MACC portal, and only the details of the declaration of the property of that member shall be posted on the portal for a period of three months from the date of receipt of the Statutory Declaration by the MACC," said Liew.

Liew also acknowledged that there are currently no laws to compel lawmakers to declare their assets, but hoped that everyone would comply.