Saravanan says ready to disclose assets to MACC, has nothing to hide

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28 — Former human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan expressed his readiness to fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) by supplying information on his assets owned since 2019, both within and outside Malaysia, as well as their origins. Speaking to reporters following his receipt of an asset declaration notice under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009, Saravanan emphasized that the notice was a standard protocol to facilitate the commission's investigation into any potential allegations, including assessing whether the assets were held by him or his family members.

Saravanan affirmed his agreement to cooperate with the MACC, stating that such an inquiry was merely a standard procedure and that he had no hidden information. He mentioned that he had accompanied his family - his wife and two children - to receive the notice, and that the MACC would grant an extension if required. The former minister also declared his willingness to have the submitted asset information disclosed to the media, assuring that he had nothing to hide.

Saravanan reassured that all his assets had been acquired lawfully, highlighting his extensive experience in the civil service and political career spanning over 20 years, including six years in the Dewan Negara, four terms as an MP, and two terms as deputy minister and minister. MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman had previously announced that notices would be issued to Saravanan, his wife, and their three children, mandating the declaration of their assets within a month.

Another child, currently abroad, would receive a notice in November. Saravanan had previously faced charges in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court for receiving bribes amounting to nearly RM1.09 million in connection with the approval of 1,000 foreign worker quotas for a company in 2022.