DAP lawmaker Teo Nie Ching has urged the criminalisation of unexplainable wealth among government officials.

"Being rich is of course not a sin.

"However, as an office-bearer in government, it is important to be transparent as to the source of the fortune, so that people are assured that politicians do not abuse their power and position to accumulate and build wealth," she said in a statement today.

Teo was responding to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) revelation yesterday that half of all graft-related arrests of those aged under 40 were civil servants.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil said their "flashly lifestyle did not match their measly pay as young officers and administrative assistants under the government pay scale".

Teo noted that this was not limited only to junior government officers and clerks.

“Our prime minister and his family are also famous for having a lavish lifestyle that does not commensurate with his official emoluments,” she claimed.

"In view of the fact that corruption in this country is getting serious, it is time for us to amend the MACC Act to provide bigger investigating powers to MACC," she added.

The MP for Kulai noted that the existing MACC Act does not make possession of luxurious goods an offence, unless it was proven the items were procured through corruption.

In contrast, she said, the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance of Hong Kong states that a prescribed officer who maintains a standard of living beyond his or her means or is in control of disproportionate resources must be able to explain them.

If they fail to do so, they are deemed to have committed an offence.

"If indeed there is nothing unusual in their wealth, Najib and his cabinet should have no difficulties to support the proposed amendments to the MACC Act.

"So, will they support this proposal to further empower MACC in combating graft among the civil servants and to clean up the Malaysian public sector?" Teo asked.