Minister’s professed fear of crime insults police, says think tank
Ideas chief executive Wan Saiful Wan Jan said public officials have the duty to be accountable and should not use unfounded concerns about crime as a strawman argument to avoid declaring their personal wealth.
“If you look at neighbouring Indonesia, the practice of declaring one's assets has been done for many years. Rarely do you hear public officials citing concerns of being kidnapped or being robbed as a reason to not do so,” he said in a statement.
“Don't insult our police force by accusing that they cannot be trusted to ensure the safety of our public officials. The police force have done their job effectively for decades and they haven't failed us... Don't use them as an excuse to hide information from the public.”
On Sunday, the Federal Territories minister was reported by The Star Online as citing his fear of being targeted by criminals as the reason for rejecting calls for him to publicly declare his assets.
Tengku Adnan was responding to PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil, who said he and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz should do so to demonstrate their commitment to transparency.
The minister further argued that he already declares his assets directly to the prime minister every year, while the mayor did so with the Chief Secretary to the Government.
Tengku Adnan said he had also instructed the mayor and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to discuss with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on sharing information on how much assets, and account names.
Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh said earlier this month that the assembly’s Standing Orders may be amended to make asset declarations compulsory for all assemblyman, instead of just state excos currently.
Penang said it will follow suit if the initiative is successful in Selangor.
Source : Malay Mail Online | All http://ift.tt/2bQu0Nh
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