WHO HAS WHAT ENSURE A CORRUPT-FREE GOVERNMENT

A chilling effect on who would turn up in Parliament and state assembly? In an unprecedented move, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced on March 17 that he would be compelling cabinet ministers and their deputies to publicly declare their assets.

It is a good move that all ministers and deputy ministers must declare their assets to ensure a corrupt-free government.

Ironically, the compulsory asset declaration by all ministers and deputy ministers and their spouses plus immediate family members will be available online for public viewing would have a chilling effect on who would turn up in Parliament and state assembly.

Logically, if BN ministers have to disclose their financial interests, the same rule should apply to the all opposition state EXCO too.

Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim said that some state exco members have reservations about publicly declaring their wealth that do not want their shareholding information to be made public due to "family reasons" is not buying. Because before the elections, opposition parties promised that they would declare their assets, so it seems that they have to walk the talk, don’t talk the walk.