MACC chief says no asset declaration notice was served on ex-minister Saravanan’s 12-year-old son

In Kuala Lumpur on October 1, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) clarified that it did not issue an asset declaration notice to the 12-year-old son of former human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, despite his father's complaint. MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman explained that the decision to not serve the notice to the boy was based on discretion, as the law does not specify age-related categories.

The commission had previously issued notices to Saravanan, his wife, and other children, but only served them to those available. Abd Halim emphasized that the boy's presence at MACC headquarters was not indicative of a summons to receive a notice, but rather a family visit due to the absence of a guardian at home. The asset declaration process, governed by Section 36(2) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act, granted recipients a one-month window to submit their declarations, with extensions possible if necessary.

Saravanan, MIC deputy president, had previously criticized MACC's handling of the situation, noting his son's reluctance to attend school due to the publicity. Saravanan expressed willingness to cooperate with MACC but questioned why his young son had been involved in the process.