Saravanan questions requirement for 12-year-old to appear before anti-corruption agency
Saravanan told FMT that he does not understand why a 12-year-old child must attend a notice at the SPRM office and urged a more sensitive approach.
Saravanan explained to FMT that the notice could have been addressed to him as the child’s father, questioning the need for a 12-year-old to attend the SPRM office alone. He expressed worry that the child would be placed under pressure and anxiety, and said he would appear at the agency’s headquarters at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the matter. While recognizing SPRM’s authority to obtain information from relatives of investigated individuals under Section 36(1)(b) of the SPRM Act 2009, he argued that such powers must be exercised with appropriate sensitivity toward children.
He affirmed his willingness to declare his assets and cooperate fully, stating he has nothing to hide. Meanwhile, SPRM chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman announced that notices will be issued to Saravanan, his spouse and three children, giving them 30 days to submit asset declarations, with possible extensions.
Why it matters
The case raises questions about how anti-corruption investigations handle minors and the balance between legal authority and child welfare.
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