‘Kenapa libatkan anak saya yang baru 12 tahun?’ soal Saravanan

Former Malaysian Human Resources Minister Saravanan has questioned the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Bureau (SPRM) for summoning his 12-year-old son to the bureau's office to receive an affidavit for declaring assets. Speaking to FMT, Saravanan expressed concern over the necessity of involving a child of such a young age in a potentially stressful and anxious situation. He asked why a 12-year-old should be present and why the child needs to be placed in such a vulnerable position.

Saravanan wondered if SPRM could have used more discretion and sensitivity while deciding that his son needed to be present. He also questioned whether the bureau needed to gather this information solely through his son, or if it could have been obtained through his parents or representatives. According to Section 36(1)(b) of the SPRM Act 2009, SPRM officers of the rank of assistant commissioner or higher can request a family member or associate of the investigated individual to give a sworn statement if there is reasonable ground to believe that certain assets are held or obtained in relation to the offense under the Act.

However, Section 36 also provides for issuing a notice to compel someone to declare their assets, with non-compliance resulting in an offense.

Saravanan stated that he has no problem declaring his assets and is willing to cooperate with SPRM. "I have nothing to hide and I will cooperate with SPRM. My concern is why a 12-year-old child needs to go through all this." The Chief Commissioner of SPRM, Abd Halim Aman, stated on Friday that SPRM will issue a notice to Saravanan, his wife, and their three children for the declaration of their respective assets.

He mentioned that the family will be given 30 days to comply with the declaration and can apply for an extension if needed.