The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has denied reports that it issued an asset declaration notice to the 12-year-old son of former minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan. MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman clarified during a press conference that no such notice was served to the child, emphasizing that the commission exercised discretion in deciding not to involve the minor.

Abd Halim addressed questions about why the child was brought to MACC headquarters on September 28, stating that children have accompanied their parents in previous visits and suggesting that Saravanan’s family might have chosen to bring the child along to avoid leaving him alone at home. Saravanan, along with his wife and two children, reportedly attended the MACC office that day.

Saravanan, who represents Tapah, expressed concern over the necessity of bringing his child to the commission, noting that any notices could be delivered directly to the parents on behalf of their children. In response, Abd Halim reiterated that the asset declaration notice was issued under Section 36 of the MACC Act 2009. The notice gave Saravanan 30 days to comply, with the possibility of extension if justified.

This notice relates to the commission’s ongoing investigation involving Saravanan. The former minister faces charges in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on three counts of receiving bribes amounting to nearly RM1.09 million. These charges pertain to allegations surrounding the approval of 1,000 foreign worker quotas for a company in 2022.

The MACC’s statement aims to dispel inaccuracies surrounding the involvement of Saravanan’s son in the investigation process, reinforcing that any official actions were directed toward the former minister himself.