Najib vs asset declaration: Some MPs may have ‘other sources’ of income

KUALA LUMPUR: It is not fair to compel every lawmaker to declare their assets because many of them have different sources of income, says former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

In disagreeing with the asset declaration move, Najib pointed out that many lawmakers do not solely depend on their MP allowances.

He also said that there were existing government bodies that were sufficient to probe the assets of lawmakers if they were deemed dubious.

“For example, some of us are lawyers or architects, we will have other sources of income,” he told reporters when met at the Parliament lobby on Wednesday (July 3).

“So, if the other sources of income are deposited into the same account and declared as our assets, it is unfair because the declaration is based on our incomes as MP,” he added.

The Pekan MP also said that asset declaration could pose a security risk to any MP.

“Anything can happen in terms of security and such,” he added.

On July 1, the Dewan Rakyat approved a special motion to compel all MPs, senators and their immediate family members to declare their assets.

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

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.