Johor PKR wants opposition leader to head state PAC

Johor PKR chief Hassan Karim has urged the Pakatan Harapan state government to allow opposition leader Hasni Mohammad to helm the state's Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The call was in response to Johor BN complaining that the state government is not serious about recognising the opposition.

Hassan told Malaysiakini that having an opposition member as the head of PAC would ensure check and balance.

The Pasir Gudang MP noted how Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian has vast powers and holds numerous portfolios.

“Other state executive members have to abide by the collective responsibility principle and therefore would find it difficult to voice out.

“If PAC was led by a backbencher, it would not have a clear separation of powers. If we are taking about reformasi, why should we be afraid to appoint an opposition member to head PAC?” he added.

Don't victimise opposition like BN

Hassan said the current state opposition leader, who was a state exco member in the past, possessed vast experience with regard to the administration of the state.

Based on this, he said Hasni (photo) could lend his expertise to help develop Johor, which is not the responsibility of the state government alone.

“I am confident Hasni will do a good job as he needs to set an example as well,” he added.

Previously, Hasni told the media that Nusajaya would not be following the federal manifesto for an opposition representative to head the state's PAC.

The Benut assemblyperson said as opposition leader, he would only be receiving an extra RM1,000 in monthly allowances and would be given an office without staff. 

Commenting on this, Hassan urged the Harapan administration not to follow in the footsteps of the BN government and discriminate opposition representatives.

“We should respect the opposition leader's position, this person has a role. If the Johor government provides an office, that is fine. But please provide staff for him as well to execute his work.

“We complained that the previous government did not treat us fairly. Now that we are in power, we should be fair.

“The state government can save on other unnecessary expenses but the opposition leader is an important role. We must not victimise them like how we were victimised,” he added. - Mkini