Why involve my 12-year-old, Saravanan says on MACC asset declaration orders

Former human resources minister M Saravanan claims that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) summoned his 12-year-old son to its headquarters on Monday morning to receive an asset declaration notice.

Speaking to FMT, Saravanan said the notice could have been served through him as the child’s parent.

“Why does a 12-year-old child even have to show up? Why put a child through this stress and worry?” he said, adding that he would present himself at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters at 9.30am.

The MIC deputy president also questioned whether MACC had exercised sufficient discretion and sensitivity in deciding that his son should be present at its headquarters.

“If the purpose is simply to establish whether there are assets held in the child’s name, why can’t that information be provided through the parents or an appropriate representative?”

He acknowledged MACC’s broad power to seek information from the relatives of individuals under investigation, but said this did not mean it should be enforced without discretion or sensitivity, especially when a child is involved.

Under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009, an officer of the commission of the rank of commissioner or above may, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that property is held or acquired in connection with an offence under the Act, require a relative or associate of the person under investigation to provide a statement in writing on oath or affirmation.

Section 36 also provides for notices requiring individuals to declare their assets. Failure to comply with a written notice under the provision can constitute an offence.

Saravanan said he had no objection to declaring his assets and would cooperate with MACC.

“I have nothing to hide and I will cooperate with MACC. My concern is why a 12-year-old child needs to be put through this.”

MACC chief Abd Halim Aman said on Friday that the commission would issue notices to Saravanan, his wife and three children requiring them to declare their assets.

He said the family would have 30 days to make the declarations, with an extension available if required.