KUALA LUMPUR – Former Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here this morning accompanied by his wife and two children to collect statutory asset declaration notices under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009.
Two black vehicles carrying Saravanan and his family were seen entering the MACC complex at 9.15 am.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman had earlier confirmed that notices would be served requiring Saravanan, his wife, and three children to declare their assets within 30 days. A third child currently studying in London will be served when returning in November.
“They have received the information and will be present… They will be given 30 days to declare their assets. If they require more time, an extension may be granted,” Abd Halim told reporters on Friday.
Outrage over 12-year-old son’s involvement
Despite following through on his pledge to show up, the Tapah MP was openly scathing ahead of his arrival regarding the MACC’s insistence on dragging his 12-year-old son into an enforcement building.
Saravanan questioned why the anti-graft body could not simply serve the minor’s notice directly to him as the boy’s father and legal guardian.
“Why does a 12-year-old child even have to show up? Why put a child through this stress and worry?” Saravanan asked in a statement.
He further criticized Abd Halim for naming his children publicly, arguing that while officers have statutory powers under Section 36 to investigate family assets, law enforcement agencies must exercise restraint when dealing with minors.
“They should use common sense and sensitivity when dealing with children,” Saravanan said, maintaining that he has nothing to hide. “My only worry is the stress being placed on my young son.”
The asset declaration notices come on the heels of formal criminal charges against Saravanan.
He was previously charged in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court with three counts of receiving bribes totaling nearly RM1.09 million in connection with the approval of 1,000 foreign worker quotas for a private firm in 2022. – September 28, 2026