New PAC chief lauds move to allow BN to lead, proposes open hearings

Newly minted Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson Ronald Kiandee, who is BN's Beluran MP, lauded Pakatan Harapan's "progressive" move in allowing an opposition representative to lead the committee.

In his first act as PAC chairperson, Kiandee proposed a review of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Order to allow PAC proceedings to be conducted in public.

"This appointment is a historic one for the Malaysian Parliament as an opposition MP is appointed as the PAC chairperson.

"I thank the progressive move by the government. The PAC's task is not only to look at the management and finances of the current government but also the previous one, if necessary," he said in a statement today.

Kiandee said the PAC hearings should be conducted in an open, transparent and democratic manner.

As such, he proposed a review of Standing Order which he said at present forbids the PAC proceedings from being open to the public.

"This is to ensure that the PAC proceedings are conducted transparently and with accountability and credibility," he said.

Standing Order 85 states: "The evidence taken before any Select Committee and any documents presented to such committee shall not be published by any member of such committee or by any other person, before the committee has presented its report to the House".

Kiandee also proposed that any PAC report presented to Parliament should be given a special time slot for debate.

He also wanted the Finance Ministry to table a report on the actions it has taken in response to recommendations made by the PAC.

Furthermore, Kiandee called for additional officials to serve the PAC, including representatives from the Attorney-General's Chambers and MACC, on top of those representing the Finance Ministry, Auditor-General's Department, Accountant-General's Department, Economic Planning Unit and Public Service Department. - Mkini