PAC can only accept verified info, says Hasan

Public Accounts Committee Chairman Hasan Ariffin denies Low Taek Jho's ownership of Good Star Limited, as previously reported by the Wall Street Journal.

PETALING JAYA: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) can only accept verified information in its reports, the committee’s chairman Hasan Arifin says.

Hasan made this statement today when responding to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), alleging that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) had sent a letter to the PAC which he heads, stating that Good Star Limited was owned by controversial businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low.

“As the PAC chairman, I deny that Good Star Limited was owned by Low Taek Jho as stated by the WSJ, citing a letter between BNM and the committee.

“Because the information received by the PAC was of ‘intelligence level’ clearance, the committee cannot include that as it goes against our work and our responsibilities.

“This could also trigger prejudice towards any side,” he said, although not specifying which report this information was initially included in.

He however did state that the information was classified under “intelligence information” by the Central Bank.

“BNM themselves stated that the information given was of ‘intelligence level’ clearance.

“PAC is not an intelligence body and the information received must be true and authentic,” Hasan clarified.