Unexplained wealth law needed, not political finger-pointing: Ex-MP
Published: Aug 2, 2025 1:30 PM
Updated: 4:44 PM
Malaysia needs a law to hold political elites accountable for unexplained riches, not just selective calls for individuals to prove their wealth, said former Klang MP Charles Santiago.
In a statement on X, he responded to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks urging former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s sons to return their wealth if they cannot prove its source.
“This shouldn’t be about one family or the fallout of a Turun rally,” he said.
“Malaysia needs an Unexplained Wealth Order to hold all elites accountable,” he said.
Anwar reportedly made the remarks against Mahathir’s sons during his recent visit to Jakarta, in an interview with Indonesian media Narasi.tv.
Citing the United Kingdom as an example, Charles pointed out that UK enforcement agencies recovered £62.9 million (RM380 million) in a single year through unexplained wealth orders and related civil actions.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
“Malaysia can do the same - recover stolen wealth without dragging cases for decades in court.”
He stressed that this is not just a legal issue but a matter of national interest.
“Malaysia lost RM277 billion to corruption in just five years. That’s RM55 billion a year gone to fraud, procurement abuse, and illicit flows.
“This cash can fund schools, hospitals, and food aid. We’re bleeding public wealth, not just patience.”
Double standards
Charles also criticised the double standards in scrutiny faced by ordinary citizens versus the wealthy and powerful.
“Ordinary Malaysians must prove their income for aid, loans, and scholarships. But those with mansions and millions rarely face the same scrutiny.
“This isn’t about rivalry but fairness. We need a system where no one is beyond accountability, no matter how powerful,” he said.
Calling for systemic reform, he said the country must move beyond politically driven investigations.
“Unexplained wealth shouldn’t depend on who’s in power. Malaysia needs an ‘Explain Wealth’ law - clear, legal triggers that require individuals to prove how they obtained assets beyond their known income.
“Without it, justice is just politics,” he added.
“Malaysia can do the same - recover stolen wealth without dragging cases for decades in court.”
He stressed that this is not just a legal issue but a matter of national interest.
“Malaysia lost RM277 billion to corruption in just five years. That’s RM55 billion a year gone to fraud, procurement abuse, and illicit flows.
“This cash can fund schools, hospitals, and food aid. We’re bleeding public wealth, not just patience.”
Double standards
Charles also criticised the double standards in scrutiny faced by ordinary citizens versus the wealthy and powerful.
“Ordinary Malaysians must prove their income for aid, loans, and scholarships. But those with mansions and millions rarely face the same scrutiny.
“This isn’t about rivalry but fairness. We need a system where no one is beyond accountability, no matter how powerful,” he said.
Calling for systemic reform, he said the country must move beyond politically driven investigations.
“Unexplained wealth shouldn’t depend on who’s in power. Malaysia needs an ‘Explain Wealth’ law - clear, legal triggers that require individuals to prove how they obtained assets beyond their known income.
“Without it, justice is just politics,” he added.
No comments:
Post a Comment