KUALA LUMPUR: The new format for asset declaration by Members of Parliament and administrative members has been finalized and will be presented to the Cabinet for approval soon. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran announced that the proposal for the new format was discussed and agreed upon by the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance (JKKTN) chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on January 8.
Kulasegaran stated that the new format represents an enhancement over the asset declaration system introduced in 2018. He highlighted that the new format requires a more comprehensive declaration of assets, including the original price and acquisition date of each asset. Furthermore, the current value of the asset must be determined and compared with the original price for transparency.
Responding to a query from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman during a special chambers session at the Dewan Rakyat, Kulasegaran emphasized the importance of the precise and transparent new asset declaration format. He stressed the need for detailed disclosure of all assets owned by MPs and administrative members.
Kulasegaran also mentioned the government’s initiative to conduct an evidence-based study on the separation of powers between the Attorney-General and public prosecutors. The study, involving Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, aims to gather best practices on this issue. He highlighted initial discussions with Canadian and British officials regarding the proposed separation of powers.
During the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM 2024) in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Minister Azalina Othman Said engaged in discussions to kickstart the empirical study on the separation of powers. Kulasegaran noted the government’s commitment to exploring the topic in collaboration with international partners.
Furthermore, Kulasegaran mentioned the government’s ongoing study on imposing a maximum term limit of two terms for the prime minister position. This study involves consultations with various stakeholders and a comparative analysis of the tenure of leaders in countries with different government systems, including benevolent monarchy, constitutional monarchy, and republics.
The government’s efforts to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability in Malaysia’s political landscape were highlighted by Kulasegaran during the session. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold good governance principles in the country.
As Malaysia continues its journey towards political reform and institutional strengthening, the government remains committed to implementing measures that promote integrity and accountability among elected officials and public servants. The upcoming discussions in the Cabinet are expected to shape the future of asset declaration and governance practices in the country.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of the proposed reforms and initiatives aimed at improving governance and institutional integrity in Malaysia.
