KUALA LUMPUR: A motion warranting a mandatory declaration of assets among lawmakers from both sides of the political divide will be tabled at the upcoming parliament sitting.
In confirming this, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said once approved, the declaration of assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) would deter members of parliament from abusing their positions.
He said it should not be limited to government MPs, but include opposition MPs.
“By right, all (MPs from Pakatan Harapan and the opposition) must declare their assets,” he said.
“Even the opposition have their influence.
“Having said that, we should not use our influence to get financial rewards.”
Dr Mahathir was commenting on reports that the government would be tabling a motion making it compulsory for all MPs, including those in the opposition as well as their family members, to declare their incomes and assets to the MACC.
The motion is expected to be tabled by a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department during the next parliamentary sitting, from July 1 to 18.
“We will table the motion. Whether it is going to be passed or otherwise (in parliament), that’s another question,” Dr Mahathir said.
At present, only PH lawmakers are required to declare their assets and income, which are publicly listed on the MACC website.
Last year, MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil had said that a new law warranting the mandatory declaration of assets by elected representatives was “in the works”.
Shamshun had said that the initiative to introduce such a legislation came following PH’s move to make it compulsory for its MPs and government administrative personnel to submit their asset declarations to MACC.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir launched the “Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes Exhibition” at the Pavillion shopping complex.
Initially held in Singapore last year, the exhibition, which will run from tomorrow to Oct 27, celebrates Marvel Studios’ 10-year anniversary and its 22 films.
Asked who his favourite Marvel Universe character was, Dr Mahathir replied: “The big one”.
He nodded when asked whether he was referring to supervillain Thanos.
Present at the event were the prime minister’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi and Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Musa Yusof.