MPs can be jailed for giving false information on asset declaration

PARLIAMENT | Lawmakers who provide false information when declaring their assets could face up to three years' imprisonment under a motion tabled today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong said when tabling the motion in the Dewan Rakyat that lawmakers will be compelled to declare their assets to the MACC.

The motion was tabled under Order 27(3) of the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat.

Liew said that MPs found providing false declarations will be subject to Section 199 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 193, which provides for a maximum three-year jail sentence and a fine upon conviction.

Section 199 deals with persons, including public servants, who knowingly declare statements known to be false.

"The government is aware that we do not have a law to make it compulsory for lawmakers (to declare their assets). So, (a parliamentary) motion is the best way to do it," Liew said.

"Since this will be a (parliamentary) ruling, then the MP who does not declare his or her assets will be referred to the Right and Privileges Committee."

Read more: Defiant opposition lawmakers vow not to declare assets

Liew added that providing false information also runs afoul of Section 3 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1960.

The motion tabled today requires MPs to declare their assets to the MACC within three months from the date of approval. These declarations will then published on the commission's website.

Liew said that the government war on graft is not only limited to prevention and punishment, stressing that it must "not only be done but seen to be done."

Since government MPs have already declared their assets, he added, it should also be extended to those in the opposition.

The declaration will apply to all lawmakers, their spouses, children aged 21 and below, as well as trustees.

Loopholes of the rich and famous

Parliament reconvenes: Is the reform agenda still on?

PM confirms gov’t to table motion to compel MPs to declare assets

Gov't seeks to make asset declaration compulsory for all MPs - source