Prior to the past few elections in the name of full financial transparency and accountability, a couple of MPs have declared their assets to show voters exactly how much they earn, what assets they have and how much they spend.
Recently, PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli declared RM19.67 million in assets ahead of GE15.
This has prompted other MPs to follow in his footsteps. One of such MPs is incumbent Subang MP Wong Chen who took to social media to declare and share his assets.
In his post, Wong wrote, My very first act as the Pakatan Harapan candidate for Subang is to declare my assets. This is to affirm my full commitment to financial transparency and accountability.”
“We cannot just talk about fighting corruption, we have to walk the talk.”
“I call upon all candidates to follow what Rafizi started, which is to declare assets. I also urge all voters to be critical and reject those who fail to declare their assets,” he added.
He then declared that his total assets as of September 30th 2022 totaled up to RM5,061,000, and he shared exactly what added up to this amount.
(3/3). pic.twitter.com/LiMOX9g9t9
— Wong Chen (@WongChen_MY) November 5, 2022
His assets included shares in several companies, some cars, 2 Rolex watches and 2 paintings along with the money in his bank, savings accounts and EPF account.
Such transparency!
Wong Chen’s declaration of assets post has gone viral. Plenty of netizens praised him for being transparent and urged other politicians to do the same.
“This is a big step in the right direction to combat cancerous corruption in the nation. Let’s remind the rakyat (that) politics is not dirty; corrupted politicians are.”
“If this doesn’t boost confidence, I’m not sure what will. Kudos Wong Chen!” wrote a user.
Meanwhile, other users pondered whether politicians from BN or PN would ever do the same.
“Would those from BN or PN be brave enough to declare their assets.”
“I bet not even a single candidate from BN or PN can declare their assets without lying or raising many questions,” said another.
What do you think? Should all the candidates running for seats in GE15 be made to reveal their assets?
Also read: “Just to be safe” Syed Saddiq Declares His Cat, Meow Meow To MACC As It Was A Gift From A Friend