KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) welcomes the renewed interest to review asset declaration from the current five years to annually.

However, the discretion for such a move lies solely with the Public Service Department (PSD).

“An annual asset declaration could be more effective than the current five-year declaration,” MACC deputy chief commissioner (management and professionalism) Datuk Seri Mohd Jamidan Abdullah said.

“The move could help provide a clearer picture of assets under the name of an individual.”

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But Mohd Jamidan was quick to affirm that such a decision rested solely with the PSD.

“It’s not up to us to decide on that as the commission does not have the powers to push for such a change. It’s up to the PSD.”

In light of recent events, he added, there had been a renewed interest in asset declaration and the department may be considering a review of their current policy.

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On Monday, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said he declared his assets to the Prime Minister annually and said public declarations would open officials to attacks by criminals.

Mohd Jamidan said public declarations were not necessary and could potentially put officials at risk of being targeted by criminals.

“That is a real threat, it cannot be discounted. They also have a right to privacy and they may want to keep their declarations private as a safety measure

“But when making declarations, even internal ones, they are placed on record and the individuals would be held accountable accordingly,” he said.