Malaysian MPs call for holistic anti-corruption efforts, including unexplained wealth orders and public asset declarations, to tackle systemic graft
KUALA LUMPUR: Members of Parliament have urged the government to intensify its fight against corruption with more holistic and systemic legal reforms.
The calls came during the first day of debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat.
Wong Chen (PH-Subang) stressed that efforts require comprehensive legal changes, aligning with the King’s decree that corruption is a major national threat.
He noted that while Malaysia’s score on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index improved in 2023, progress stalled in 2024 and risks deteriorating in 2025.
“This situation proves the existing approach is insufficient to overhaul the endemic culture of corruption,” he said.
Wong Chen identified weak asset declaration mechanisms as a key factor for the slow progress.
He proposed that asset declarations should involve all ministers, MPs, state assemblymen, and senior civil servants, including their immediate families.
These declarations should then be audited by the National Audit Department and made public to ensure transparency.
He also urged the government to introduce an Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWO) law, similar to the United Kingdom’s model.
“This enables assets that cannot be explained to be seized through civil action without the need for criminal proof beyond a reasonable doubt, thus making the UWO a game changer,” he said.
Wong Chen emphasised that implementing the UWO and reforming anti-corruption laws requires clear political will from MPs.
Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) stated that corruption impacts national security, institutional sovereignty, and public confidence.
He argued that anti-corruption efforts cannot be selective or seasonal but must be comprehensive and free from political influence.
Mohd Nazri Abu Hasan (PN-Merbok) echoed the need for integrity and no compromise in tackling corrupt practices.
“Investigations must be conducted with firmness, irrespective of the rank or position of the individuals involved,” he said.
He cited Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which states that everyone is equal before the law.
Other MPs, including Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang), also raised the issue.
They hoped the government would take the war against corruption right down to the grassroots level.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting resumes tomorrow.
