It is serious this time? All ministers and deputy ministers are required to declare their assetes and the public are allowed to check the information online. Houses, lands, cars, jewellery, cash and stocks must be legal as all will be revealed to the public.

Would there be anything that cannot be shown? Who will believe it if someone claims that he possesses only two double-storey terrace houses, two cars, 50 thousands ringgit cash and no stock in hand, while the jewellery were his wife's dowry?

Will anyone still want to be a minister? Does anyone dare to be one?

The asset declaration for ministers and deputy ministers has long been implemented in foreign country as this is a must to eliminate corruption. However, ministers and deputy ministers in Malaysia were required only to report their assets to the Prime Ministers and it was not significant as secrets were kept between them. And now, it means a lot as they must reveal their assets to the public.

It is difficult to prove corruption as corrupt officers are wise and cautious. However, they cannot hide the fortune they gain from corruption once they are required to declare their assets.

This is a positive prevention measure to curb corruption as it starts from sources and makes the system transparent. Of course, an independent and complete property declaration system is a must to make it effective.

Most importantly, how should the ministers and deputy ministers declare their assets? How to ensure they declare truthfully? How to verify the authenticity of the data declared?

It seems like the task is placed on Anti-Corruption Agency's (ACA) shoulders. ACA will have to make sure that declarations made are comprehensive and authentic and reflect the income of the ministers and their families. And once a false report is found, severe punishments should be made included suspension from duties and bearing corresponding legal liabilities in order to show the seriousness of the system.

Lastly, the system should be transparent, be reviewed and overseen by the people, as well as the media. This is an essential step taken towards a clean-handed government. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)