PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli has agreed to declare his assets, income and expenditure as suggested by Cheras Umno division leader Syed Ali Alhabshee.

The Pandan lawmaker said he believes politicians should lead a modest lifestyle in order to feel the struggle of the people.

"Only in this way, politicians can be an effective voice of the people and not be disconnected with their problems," Rafizi said.

 In view of this, he added, he would make a sworn statement on details such as:

  • Assets and current debt;
  • Background on income and profession prior to becoming a politician;
  • Monthly income as a politician; and
  • Monthly expenditure as a politician.
"I will distribute this sworn statement at the Parliament lobby on March 10," he said, adding that he needed time to collect the necessary information and documents.

Once this is done, Rafizi hopes Syed Ali will initiate a campaign within Umno to call on all those who are ministers to make a similar declaration.

"If I, as a mere MP, can make such an open declaration, cabinet ministers with the power and position to accumulate wealth should also declare their assets.

"I believe this culture must be inculcated and I invite other MPs from Pakatan Rakyat and BN to do the same," he said.

Syed Ali had thrown the challenge to opposition representatives after a few of them questioned the wealth of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Najib's source of wealth came under public scrutiny after New York Times wrote a three-page article on Jho Low, his ties with Najib's family and his purchase of luxury properties in the United States.

Among others, the NYT article stated Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor had a strong appetite for luxury and questioned the Prime Minister's Office on the Najib's source of wealth.

In turn, the PMO replied that Najib had "received inheritance" and that his lifestyle was "not unsual for a person of the prime minister's position, responsibilities and legacy (of) family assets".