PAS Thinks MPs Should Not Declare Their Wealth Because It Is Against Islam

The motion was tabled by de facto Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong today, according to Free Malaysia Today. 

If passed, lawmakers who do not declare their wealth could face action from the Parliament's Select Committee on Rights and Privileges, reported The Star.

Moreover, those who make false declarations will be subjected to action under Section 3 of the Statutory Declaration Act and Section 193 of the Penal Code, which stipulates a maximum jail sentence of three years, or a fine. 

"In Islam, there is a hadith that says if God has given you wealth, do not declare it to the public as there are many observers," the Kubang Kerian MP was quoted as saying by Malay Mail, before adding that the motion would affect the safety of lawmakers and their families.

However, the PAS deputy president did not specify which hadith he was quoting from.

He added that existing laws are in place to monitor the wealth and assets of MPs.

"Our country also has enough laws... such as reporting our income annually to the Inland Revenue Board," Tuan Ibrahim said. 

"Don't be hasty. We should study the implications. Let's not be too desperate to table it and then decide to withdraw it the next day," he added.

Free Malaysia Today reported that BN MPs who rejected the motion included Datuk Seri Bung Moktar and Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman. 

"It is a legitimate source of income, so why do the people need to know? What about the rights of the individual (MP)?" Tajuddin asked, according to Free Malaysia Today. 

Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman also chipped in on the matter, arguing that the motion should have been implemented as a law rather than being tabled in Parliament. 

"If you want to implement it, implement it wholeheartedly," she said.