Azam: Asset declarations by GLC, GLIC CEOs a step towards transparency

New Straits Times

3 days ago

PUTRAJAYA: The government's move to mandate the declaration of assets by chief executive officers (CEOs) of government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is a preventive measure aimed at enhancing accountability.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that by declaring their assets, the public can see that each organisational leader does not accumulate wealth arbitrarily through their positions.
"When these CEOs declare their assets to the MACC, they become more cautious in their actions because any attempt to use their positions to amass wealth can be easily detected," he said after receiving 13 asset declaration forms from the CEOs and heads of operating companies under Boustead Holdings Berhad (BHB) at his office today.
The forms were submitted by BHB's Integrity and Governance Department head and executive vice-president Rosman Johar Abdullah.
Meanwhile, Rosman said the submission of the asset declaration forms was in line with the government directive requiring CEOs in GLCs and GLICs to declare their assets to the MACC.
He said the initiative should be supported by all parties to ensure that corruption is not only addressed but prevented before it happens.
Also present were BHB's Integrity and Governance Department assistant vice-president Wan Azlee Wan Mohd Ghazali, and special officer to the MACC Chief Commissioner, Superintendent Mohd Fadzil Md Amin.
Bernama reported in 2022 that CEOs of GLCs and GLICs, including members of the judiciary, were required to declare their assets to the MACC.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was reported saying the decision was made by the Special Cabinet Committee on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR), which also noted that the details of the new code of ethics will be retabled by the MACC in the upcoming meeting.
JKKMAR also decided that the mechanism for asset declaration by members of the administration, members of the Dewan Rakyat, and members of the Dewan Negara to the MACC would be strengthened to enhance the credibility and integrity of the government administration.
Amendments and enhancements to the existing code of ethics for members of the administration and members of Parliament will be implemented, and a new code of ethics will also be introduced for members of Parliament under the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 (Act 347), taking into account the preservation of the principle of separation of powers between the executive and legislative bodies.