KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5): An extended deadline for Members of Parliament (MPs) to declare their assets lapsed today, but 62 lawmakers failed to file their statements.

UMNO MPs make up the biggest number, with 36 of their elected representatives not making the statutory asset declaration, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Muhammad Ariff Md Yusof said in a statement.

Next was PAS which had 18 MPs not making the declaration. One MIC MP and one MCA MP had not declared their assets as well.

The sole MCA MP who has not declared his assets is Dr Wee Jeck Seng, who was only sworn as MP for Tanjung Piai on Nov 18.

To date, 160 MPs have made their asset declarations to the Speaker. PKR MPs made up the largest number, with 50 MPs declaring their assets. They are followed by the DAP, with 42 of its MPs making the declaration, and PPBM, which has 26 MPs declaring their assets.

Only two UMNO MPs and one MCA MP had declared their assets.

On July 1, the motion for MPs to declare their assets was first passed in the Dewan Rakyat by a voice vote.

Under the initial Bill, MPs had to make their asset declaration to the speaker within three months, that is by Oct 1, 2019.

The speaker would table a motion to refer non-complying MPs to the Committee of Privileges, which has the speaker as chairman, and six other members nominated by the Committee of Selection.

On Nov 26, the Dewan Rakyat agreed to extend the deadline for MPs to submit their asset declarations to today.

This means that if any of the 222 MPs present in the Dewan Rakyat do not declare their own assets, and those of their spouses, adult children and trustees, such MPs could be suspended from the chamber or fined.

Upon making the declaration to the speaker, a copy of the declaration will be forwarded to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

MPs who are found to have provided a false declaration will be subject to Section 199 of the Penal Code, which is punishable under Section 193 with a maximum of three years in jail and a fine upon conviction.