KUCHING: There is no legal basis or parliamentary rule that supports any motion to introduce a resolution compelling members of parliament (MPs) to declare their assets.
This was emphasised by Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar when contacted yesterday.
“Under what law is the motion brought in? There is no law or rule of the Dewan Rakyat stating that MPs must declare their assets,” he said.
“MPs cannot be penalised based on a resolution moved by a motion without basis in law or rule. The Minister (of Law) Datuk Liew Vui Keong) must first introduce a law or amend the rules of the Dewan Rakyat. Only then can the motion be introduced.”
Thus, to him, moving the motion was pre-mature and done in a rush.
Wan Junaidi also voiced out the issue of practicality. He believes it would be impractical for MPs and their families to declare their assets.
“MPs are not civil servants. They can do business. They are unlike ministers who are considered civil servants and are not allowed to do business,” he said.
“If the motion is passed, that means all the sons and daughters of all the MPs must declare their assets, and so too the Prime Minister’s sons and daughter.”
Another thing that really irked Wan Junaidi was the lack of notice given to MPs prior to the introduction of the motion.
According to him it was only laid on the table yesterday morning when the Law Minister stood up and read the motion. They were not given any papers to look at, to study, and to see the implications before presenting their arguments.
“Actually, nothing was laid on the table. The minister just presented the motion verbally,” he said.
He concluded that whatever motion is to be introduced, the procedure must be proper and there must be law and logic to back it up.
“This is a good move but it must be backed up by a law and proper practice of the Parliament,” he said.
