Ready to declare wealth, but MACC's credibility tainted'

DAP today said while its elected representatives were prepared to declare assets, such an act should not be limited to a "secret" declaration to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

MACC's Consultation and Corruption Prevention Panel recently proposed that all elected representatives at Federal and state levels declare their assets to it every three years.

But Petaling Jaya Utara member of parliament Tony Pua (pic) questioned MACC's credibility, saying it cannot be relied upon to decide whether an elected representative has questionable wealth.

"The MACC has proven over the past 5 years that it is not competent in investigating and uncovering corruption among the ‘big fishes’ entrenched in the ruling party.

"Worse, the MACC has been completely impartial in its actions by targetting only Pakatan Rakyat representatives," said the second-term MP, who is also DAP's publicity chief, citing a series of highly-publicised actions against PR leaders which in the end failed to prove allegations of corruption.

"It is clear that the MACC, while 'independent' on paper, serves only the political interest of Barisan Nasional. As a result, any declaration of assets solely to MACC is a pointless exercise as MACC will only scrutinise the assets of Pakatan Rakyat representatives and not that of Barisan Nasional," Pua said.

Saying DAP MPs and state assemblymen were not fearful of declaring their assets, Pua challenged MACC to advise the prime minister to require all elected representatives, or at least all federal ministers and state excos, to declare their assets.

"I for one, am prepared to declare assets publicly because I know whatever assets that is in my possession is earned honestly without a single sen obtained from the tax-payers’ money via corrupt means," added Pua, who headed an IT company before joining politics.

The latest proposal is the second by MACC following the Penang state government's move to have all its Exco members declare assets.

Early last year, then minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz came out strongly against a suggestion by MACC to have cabinet members make assets declaration, arguing that such a move could pose danger to the safety of those involved.

Nazri, whose son Nedim made headlines over his extraordinary wealth as well as involvement in an assault case, was not fielded as a BN candidate to defend his Padang Rengas seat. -HD