Saravanan questions why 12-year-old son was brought to MACC HQ

Former Malaysian human resources minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan expressed confusion over why his 12-year-old son was taken to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters despite assurances he was not required to attend. On Monday, Saravanan brought his son to the MACC office, but was only told upon arrival that his son could leave without signing any documents.

Saravanan questioned why this detail was not clarified beforehand, especially given his family's situation with one child abroad. He criticized the agency's explanation as "entirely illogical" for a 12-year-old to appear at the anti-corruption headquarters, especially with the other child studying abroad. Saravanan had previously informed MACC officers that his son was a minor with no assets.

However, it was only at the MACC office that they clarified his son did not need to sign anything. MACC later claimed the boy was never intended to be served, suggesting the family may have brought him due to no one at home to care for him. Saravanan pointed out that Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 requires a person to provide an oath, but Section 133A of the Evidence Act 1950 allows children to give evidence without swearing.

He argued that applying an adult investigative process to a 12-year-old could be absurd and disproportionate. He cited Section 17A of the Interpretation Acts 1948 and 1967, stating that legislation should be interpreted in a way consistent with its purpose and effect. The MACC announced on September 25 that asset declaration notices would be served to Saravanan, his wife, and their 3 children on September 28.