FORMER Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan has questioned why the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) wants his 12-year-old son to visit its headquarters today.
The MACC had earlier said it would issue notices to former Saravanan, his wife, and their three children to declare their assets within a month.
Its chief commissioner, Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman, said the MACC will deliver the asset declaration notice under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009 to Saravanan, his wife, and their two children on Monday, while the third child, who is still abroad, will receive it in November.
Saravanan said he will follow the rules and go to the MACC office at 9:30 am.
However, he does not understand why a young child needs to be involved. He pointed out that the notice could easily be given to him as the boy's father.
"Why does a 12-year-old child even have to show up? Why put a child through this stress and worry?" Saravanan asked.
He also criticised the MACC for informing the public that his children are involved.
Saravanan said that even though the MACC has the legal power to check family assets, it should use common sense and sensitivity when dealing with children.
Under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009, the agency can ask relatives of a person under investigation to declare their assets.
Saravanan stressed that he has nothing to hide and is happy to cooperate. His only worry is the stress being placed on his young son.
The MACC said the family will have 30 days to finish their asset declarations. – September 28, 2026