Why involve my 12-year-old, Saravanan says on MACC asset declaration orders

Former Malaysian HR minister M Saravanan has raised concerns over the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) decision to summon his 12-year-old son to the agency's headquarters to receive an asset declaration notice. Speaking to FMT, Saravanan questioned why a child should be subjected to such stress and worry when the notice could have been served through him as the parent.

The MIC deputy president also raised doubts about whether MACC had applied sufficient discretion and sensitivity in deciding the child's presence at the agency's premises. He stated that if the objective was merely to ascertain whether assets are held in the child's name, why couldn't the information be provided through the parents or an appropriate representative?

While acknowledging MACC's broad power under Section 36(1)(b) of the MACC Act 2009 to require relatives or associates of an individual under investigation to provide written statements on oath or affirmation regarding potential asset acquisition in connection with an offence, Saravanan maintained that this authority should be exercised with discretion and sensitivity, particularly when a child is involved.

Under the MACC Act, failure to comply with a written notice can constitute an offence. Saravanan, however, expressed no objection to declaring his assets and pledged cooperation with MACC. He has three children, and he mentioned that the family would have 30 days to make the declarations, with the possibility of an extension if required. MACC chief Abd Halim Aman had earlier announced that the commission would issue notices to Saravanan, his wife, and his three children requiring them to declare their assets.