PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today mocked his PAS counterpart Abdul Hadi Awang for claiming that Putrajaya's attempt to force all MPs to declare their assets was rooted in communism and socialism.

"Hadi should let us know which theory (he was referring to) in Das Kapital," said Anwar, who stressed that he actually read the book.

The PKR leader told reporters this today at the sidelines of a party function in Seremban when asked for his response to Hadi's remark.

Das Kapital, authored by Karl Marx in the late 19th century, is generally accepted as the foundation for modern communist thought.

Earlier today, Hadi (photo) claimed that asset declaration for those who hold public office was part of communist and socialist theory.

He also accused DAP of pushing for the asset declaration exercise, and alluded that leaders of socialist countries tend to be the richest.

Meanwhile, Anwar said he found it strange that PAS is reluctant to support the government's effort to compel lawmakers to declare their assets.

"In Parliament, they have been talking about transparency and anti-graft measures.

"However, they (PAS) are afraid (of declaring their assets), citing communists as an excuse."

Anwar said the purpose of forcing lawmakers to declare their assets is to ensure that their wealth is accumulated legally.

He pointed out that Umar Abdul Aziz, upon becoming the eighth Umayyad caliph, recorded the assets of his entire family in a show of transparency.

"Declaring one's assets ensures that what is accumulated is legal. It shows there is no theft of land, timber, shares or projects.

"It applies to Umno, PKR, DAP and PAS. If you don't want to declare... people will ask why PAS is worried.

"Will it reveal too much wealth? Land? Timber? Shares?" asked Anwar, who added that he supported the motion on asset declaration tabled by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.