GE15: Asset declaration by PKR candidates sets a new standard for future polls

PETALING JAYA: The declaration of assets by each PKR candidate in GE15 is about setting a higher standard for future elections, said Rafizi Ramli on Monday (Nov 7).

The PKR deputy president said requiring all candidates to declare their assets would instill public confidence in both election officials and institutions they serve should the candidate come into office.

"We want to be as transparent as possible to show to the public that we can be trusted.

"It's about setting a higher standard for candidates – if they wish to serve in public office, they must be open to public scrutiny about their finances," Rafizi said.

Barisan Nasional's Sungai Buloh parliamentary seat candidate Khairy Jamaluddin had last Friday (Nov 4) seemingly refuted Rafizi by stating that asset declarations are usually only made after an elected official is appointed to the Cabinet.

Rafizi said he could not force candidates from other parties to follow this but said the public deserved to know their financial situation and connections for complete transparency.

"They need to keep in mind that the public will tend to vote for those they trust more," he said.

Rafizi added that nearly all of PKR's candidates had declared their assets with only two of their remaining candidates yet to do so.

On Thursday (Nov 3), PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli declared he had RM18.85mil in net assets.