KUCHING: Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Taib kept mum on whether or not she had declared her assets as required of members of parliament.
When asked by reporters yesterday she shook her head and said, “No comment”.
Last Thursday (Dec 5), a total of 160 MPs have declared their assets but 62 MPs have yet to do the same.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said that those who haven’t were from Umno (36), MCA (1), MIC (1), PAS (18), GPS (3), STAR (1) and Bebas (2).
“They have not declared their assets regardless of the passing of an asset declaration resolution last July 1,” he said when asked in Parliament’s lobby.
On actions to be taken against them, Liew noted that not adhering to the requirement was considered contempt of parliamentary regulations and action would be taken against them.
“This is a motion of the Dewan Rakyat, so not obeying it is disrespectful and insulting,” he said.
The Dewan Rakyat on July 1 passed a special motion compelling MPs to declare their assets, including those held by their spouses, children and trustees.
Each declaration consists of three forms; personal asset declaration, additional asset declaration and disposal of assets, which will be made under the Statutory Declarations Act 1960.
He said if any MP makes a false declaration, he or she is bound by Act 783 (Statutory Declarations Act 1960) and Section 199 of the Penal Code.
Those convicted could face a maximum jail term of three years and a fine.
Yesterday, Hanifah was visiting the Lions Nursing Home Kuching annual food fair at Jalan Stutong when she was approached by reporters. She is patron of the Home.
At the fair, she also presented certificates of appreciation and participation to 80 stall operators.
