In Pakatan’s asset declaration bid, fear of being seen as rich
(MMO) – Some Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders have expressed support for the pact’s election candidates to declare their assets, but pointed out drawbacks that could turn the move into a political handicap.
Chief among these was the concern that openly declaring their assets could make the pact’s politicians appear affluent compared to the general public.
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Youth chief Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman said he personally backed such an initiative, as it would let voters scrutinise a candidate’s source of income as well as expose suspicious levels of wealth.
Saying the pact should lead by example on this topic, he also claimed more PPBM politicians would do declare their assets once they are earmarked to contest elections.
Despite this, he also expressed misgivings about how the public might interpret a politician’s wealth, particularly those who may already be millionaires.
“When you declare, but other opponents don’t do it, it puts you at an disadvantage. It puts people who are already wealthy before they join politics at a disadvantage as it shows as though they are already corrupt. People will compare a person’s wealth,” he said.
“And once you declare the source of wealth and you’re the richest person in the party, divisional and branch will start asking for funding; you will become a cash-cow, and the political struggle will be a money-driven one.”
