Malaysia sets ethics for receiving gifts

Malaysia sets ethics for receiving gifts

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The Malaysian government, waging a battle against corruption in official ranks, is to set out in writing the types of gifts politicians and top officials can keep, reports said yesterday.

The move was to ensure that gifts received by politicians would not be misconstrued as bribery attempts, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said after a meeting with leaders of the ruling 14-member National Front coalition.

"These souvenirs are meant only as tokens but sometimes they cost thousands (of ringgit). We will decide whether they can accept the gifts, or surrender them to the finance ministry," he was quoted as saying in The Star daily.

Under a code of ethics, the recipients would have the choice of buying the gift back from the government or allowing the ministry to keep it, Mahathir said.

"However, if they are treated to a meal, they can accept it. They can also accept fruits, unless, of course, the fruits are made of gold." The premier said he received many gifts everyday but items such as cars, have all been handed to the government.