BN’s Yusri Bakir said he had already declared his assets before taking early retirement, but saw no reason to publicise the details, Berita Harian reported.

“I already declared my assets before retiring and this is indeed an obligation that must be fulfilled if one wants to retire early.

“There are procedures that need to be followed, including clearance from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission,” he said.

Meanwhile, PN’s Abd Muhaimin Malek has pledged to declare his assets – but only after winning the election and officially taking office as an assemblyman.

PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad, speaking on his behalf, said Muhaimin didn’t have to do so now as he had never held public office.

“When we were serving the government, we declared our assets. I did it as a minister. But that’s because there needs to be accountability,” Idris was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

“It’s not about being afraid. If he’s elected on April 26, he’ll make a declaration then. Maybe before the next general election, he can declare again to show how his assets have changed over time.”

Yesterday, PSM candidate KS Bawani dared her opponents to declare their assets after revealing that as of April 15, her estimated net assets stood at RM21,248.

She said an asset declaration allows the public to assess whether candidates vying for the Ayer Kuning state seat in Perak are truly clean and corruption-free, and whether their asset growth after being elected is justifiable.

The Ayer Kuning by-election will be held on April 26, with early polling on April 22.