Anwar says bound by manifesto on PAC chief but will hear Dr M out

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson should be headed by an opposition lawmaker as stipulated in Pakatan Harapan's manifesto, according to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

"I am still bound by the manifesto," he told the media at the Parliament's lobby today.

He, however, stressed the need to listen to the rationale of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in maintaining Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee as PAC chief even after he joined Bersatu, one of the ruling parties, last week.

"I think we can discuss (the matter) again in detail and we refer to the prime minister."

On March 15, Ronald Kiandee, together with seven MPs and state assemblypersons in Sabah, joined Bersatu.

Mahathir's decision to keep Kiandee as PAC chief did not sit well with Harapan leaders, including DAP's Hannah Yeo and PKR's Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Mahathir, however, said on Saturday that all parties in Pakatan Harapan had agreed to keep Kiandee as PAC chief.

When asked if Harapan allies agreed to this, Anwar said, "No, probably I am not aware, have to check,” adding he was away in Rantau yesterday.

[More to follow]  - Mkini