Nazri continues to draw flak over fear of assets declaration
| Harakahdaily, | 25 January 2012 |
Jan 25: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz's excuse in opposing to any form of assets declaration by cabinet members continued to draw flak, with PKR secretary general Saifuddin Nasution questioning if Nazri was indeed afraid of his 'safety' as claimed, or just 'saving himself'.
Nazri (right), who publicly spoke out against the the proposal by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission for cabinet ministers and families to declare their assets to the Commission, had earlier argued that such a move could pose danger to the safety of those involved.
“Nazri’s statement is the weakest and only shows that there is something to hide besides protecting cabinet ministers’ luxurious lives beyond their means,” said Saifuddin.
The Machang member of parliament said assets declaration was to prevent any abuse of public position, enabling the public to make comparison of a leader's wealth before and after assuming public office.
“That is the simple reason a minister is asked to declare his assets,” said Saifuddin, who added that such a move could also boost credibility and safeguard transparency.
Saifuddin however rubbished Nazri's suggestion to only declare assets to the prime minister, and said declarations must undergo audit.
Citing Penang state government’s decision to have all its Exco members' assets declaration verified by an internationally renowned audit firm, Saifuddin said that was the right way it should have been done.
Following the Penang state government's decision to have all its Exco members' worth published online, MAAC panel chairperson Zaitun Zawiyah Puteh had said that a similar declaration involving ministers, but only to the MACC, had been suggested to prime minister Najib Razak on December 12.
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