Fahmi: Asset declaration for politicians is ex-MP's personal opinion

Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil has dismissed concerns surrounding politicians declaring their assets, calling it a non-issue.

Speaking to the media in Kuala Lumpur today, Fahmi addressed remarks by former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming, who questioned Subang MP Wong Chen’s suggestion to mandate asset declarations for civil servants before extending the requirement to politicians.

“It (assets) has already been declared. I myself have declared it before. So, it is not an issue,” he said.

He added that the discussion likely stemmed from Wong’s comments on public office accountability.

“That is the Subang MP's perspective, and members of Parliament are indeed free to voice their opinions. As for the former Bangi MP, that is his view,” he replied briefly.

When asked about the possibility of reintroducing a public asset declaration portal like the one launched by Pakatan Harapan in 2020, Fahmi said the cabinet has yet to discuss the issue.

“The matter has not been discussed yet,” he said briefly.

Previously, during Harapan’s first tenure in power under former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the MACC launched the first version of the portal featuring MPs’ total monthly income and declared assets.

The portal was relaunched under former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration, with the second version maintaining individuals' monthly income but listing asset totals in a range rather than a specific amount.

In 2022, before assuming office, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared his assets amounting to RM11.18 million on the PKR candidate website during the 15th general election campaign.

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