'Let MACC probe those living beyond means'

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The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission's (MACC) advisory board (LPPR) has urged Putrajaya to make the necessary legal amendments so that the graft buster can better probe cases of public officials living beyond their means.

 

At present, the LPPR said MACC is facing constraints in probing the finances and assets of public officials who appear to possess wealth beyond their means and are suspected of corruption.

 

"It should be the responsibility of public officials or staff, whose lifestyles do not match their sources of income, to declare their wealth.

 

"As such, Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 needs to be amended to ensure the said individuals declare their assets.  At present, there are no such provisions," it said in a press statement today.

 

Meanwhile, the National Oversight and Whistleblower Centre (NOW) urged MACC to hold consultations for the proposed legal amendment.

 

"MACC which is in the process of drafting this new law should hold a consultation process with various quarters including the public to ensure that the approach is holistic," said NOW director Akmal Nasir ( photo ).

 

He added that public officials such as the prime minister, ministers, menteri besars, senior government officials, government-linked companies and elected representatives should publicly declare their assets every two years.

 

At present, ministers declare their assets to the prime minister but this information is not made public.

 

MACC has in recent months come under pressure to probe cases of those living beyond their means after New York Times in February highlighted premier Najib Abdul Razak's family's wealth.



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