PSM MP threatens to sue DAP rep over asset declaration

PSM's Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj has demanded an apology from DAP's Sungkai state assemblyperson A Sivanesan for casting doubt on the former's asset declaration exercise.

Jeyakumar said he will initiate legal action if Sivanesan failed to issue an apology in Tamil Malar, the same Tamil daily where the allegations were published.

"Sivanesan's achievement of overcoming poverty, becoming a lawyer and winning the Sungkai state seat far surpasses mine as I was born into a middle class family, but that does not give Sivanesan licence to defame me.

"Sivanesan's statement published on the front page of Tamil Malar on May 21 claming that I hid some of my assets, including those inherited from my father, meant that I am a liar who intends to trick Malaysians by making a false asset declaration."

"The implication of Sivanesan's claim is that I cannot be trusted and have committed an offence under the Statutory Declaration Act 1960," he said in a statement today.

Know thy true enemy

Jeyakumar said he will give Sivanesan 10 days to retract the statement and apologise.

"Sivanesan's emotional statement shows that he does not understand PSM's policy requiring elected representatives to declare assets.

"The main objective is to show the people who we do not use our position to enrich ourselves," he said.

Jeyakumar also reminded Sivanesan that he should be training his guns at the right target.

"I would like to take this opportunity to calm down and reflect - who is main political enemy of Sivanesan and his colleagues in DAP?

"Is it not better for all of us to work together against that main political enemy," he said.

Jeyakumar last Wednesday presented his annual asset declaration which showed two-thirds of the RM216,000 he earned from his salary and allowances were distributed to his constituency.

In terms of assets, Jeyakumar said he currently maintains five cars at home, including a Kancil, a gift from his mother, and a Toyota Vios, which was a present from his uncle.- Mkini