Wong Kah Woh vows to recuse self from PAC if Seda probed

Newly-minted Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) chairperson Wong Kah Woh (photo, above) has promised to recuse himself from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should Seda ever be probed by PAC.

Responding to critics of his appointment, Wong said he believes that there is no conflict of interest in leading the government body and being on the oversight committee at the same time.

“There is no conflict of interest unless Seda is a subject matter of the (PAC) proceedings, in which case I will recuse myself from the proceedings.

“Our PAC decides not only with the majority, but with consensus. And the professionalism and impartiality (of the PAC is) proven.

“There is no issue of being beholden (to the government). As long as (one’s) beliefs and conscience are clear, one can hold positions and act independently and fairly,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

Judge me by results

Thus, Wong said he saw “no issue” in having to resign from the PAC, of which he is the deputy chairperson.

“I prefer to let my results and let my work (at Seda) in the next two years speak for itself.

“The appointment to Seda is a mandate for me to serve the nation, and to execute the government’s directions. Ensuring that 20 percent renewable energy target by 2025 is achieved will be the first task,” the DAP Ipoh Timur MP added.

Yesterday, electoral reform NGO Bersih’s chairperson Thomas Fann disagreed with the appointment as Wong risked being “beholden” to the government when he should be scrutinising Putrajaya’s finances and expenditure.

Transparency International Malaysia and Malaysian Corruption Watch also opposed the move.

Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki demanded an explanation from Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin for appointing Wong as it was a possible conflict of interest and broke Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto promise to put an end to political appointments. - Mkini