THIS is apropos reports about Saudi foreign minister’s statement that ‘funds wired into Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s personal bank account were a genuine donation originating from Saudi Arabia’.

Mr Razak faces graft allegations following $681million deposit in his personal bank account, which opposition alleges originated from Malaysia Development Berhad (Ltd). Donations worldwide are for charitable institutions, and foundations worked for the welfare of the sick, deprived or underprivileged sections of society and not for the rich and powerful holding important constitutional posts like prime minister, head of sensitive security agencies, etc.

It is an ethic of governance that those holding public offices cannot receive any gifts from foreign governments or heads of state which can be retained by them. Any such item must be deposited in the national treasury.

This became a controversial issue raising suspicions when such a gift as money is deposited into the personal bank account of a serving constitutional public office-holder or a politician aspiring to hold such an office in the future, or has held an office of importance in the recent past.

There are ethical issues involved because such generous gifts would qualify either as bribe or as remuneration for services done.

A. Chandio

Sukkur

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2016