Declaring one’s assets to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) could come in handy when a public figure is implicated of graft.

Quoting a MACC source, the New Straits Times reported that, by furnishing the assets information when one is accused of corruption, law enforcers would be able to cross-check details.

azlan “At the end of the day, when a dispute arises and the high-profile individual is falsely accused of corruption, he might need help to clear the air,” a source was quoted as saying.

The sourcesuggested that judges too should  provide assets declarations to the MACC for assessment and monitoring purposes.

The MACC Advisory Board has recommended that, besides public figures, their spouses and children should also declare their assets to the Prime Minister's Department.

Board chairperson Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh has proposed that a copy of the declaration be given to the MACC.

However, the opposition has criticised the MACC for not going further in implementing the policy to ensure that those in public office declare their assets to the people.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz had reasoned that such a measure would "endanger" the parties involved.

The de facto law minister pointed out that even the assets declaration to MACC is not necessary unless it is on the prime minister's insistence.