LAWMAKERS who do not declare their assets as ordered by Parliament must be punished as their defiance is appalling, said a graft watchdog.

The Centre to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) said it is farcical that the opposition MPs are still making excuses to avoid declaring assets.

C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel said the standing order issued by the Dewan Rakyat speaker is not enough to keep the MPs in check.

“MPs who are found culpable can be cited for holding the House in contempt, or suspended from debating, and be called to attention to the Rights and Privileges Committee under Meeting Rule 80.

“While standing orders are a good first requirement spearheaded by the government, we assert a legal requirement is necessary to execute this exercise fully and comprehensively,” she said in a statement today.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof recently said only 160 out of 222 MPs have declared their wealth at the expiry of the deadline on December 5.

“Sixty-two have not submit their declaration forms.”

All Pakatan Harapan elected representatives have met the deadline for submission. Only three Barisan Nasional reps have done so.

Gabriel said an extension of two months from October 1 to December 5 was granted to MPs to declare their assets, but there are those who refuse to comply.

“C4 believes real punitive action must follow those who refuse to comply with the requirement.

“It is for this very reason we urge that asset declaration must be codified, and punitive actions clearly stated.”

On Friday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Latheefa Koya said they cannot investigate the assets of MPs unless there has been a legitimate complaint lodged against them.

She said the body currently acts as a depository of declared assets, minus liabilities of federal lawmakers. – December 15, 2019.