Scrap PSC on agencies under PM’s dept, says member

 

Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong says the PSC on Agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department has failed to scrutinise and hold the government accountable on key public interest issues. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A member of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department has called for the committee to be dissolved upon its expiry on Nov 10, saying it has failed to scrutinise and hold the government accountable on key public interest issues.

“It has been a frustrating experience for me to be part of a PSC that lacks the political will and leadership to function effectively,” said Pakatan Harapan’s Kota Melaka MP, Khoo Poay Tiong.

“Major public interest issues, such as the Azam Baki share ownership scandal, remain unresolved and beyond the reach of the PSC’s scrutiny.”

In a statement, Khoo said that while it has been more than eight months since the committee summoned Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam, he has yet to appear before the committee.

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The committee’s chairman, Kuala Krai MP Latiff Abdul Rahman, cancelled the meeting after Azam wrote a letter explaining his refusal to attend.

Khoo also said the committee has only convened three times this year, with most of the meetings filled with standard briefings and presentations by government agencies.

He was also disappointed that his proposal to summon MACC to brief the committee about the littoral combat ship (LCS) issue was not taken up by Latiff.

The defence ministry awarded a RM9 billion contract to Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd for six ships as part of the navy’s fleet renewal plan in 2011, and while the first vessel was slated to be delivered by April 2019, none of the ships have yet to be delivered.

Khoo also provided a list of suggestions to reform PSCs, key among them was that their scope be reviewed and redefined.

Noting how the scope of the PSC on Agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department is too wide as it covers numerous agencies and issues, he said this hinders the PSC from functioning effectively as it has “no clear focus”.

He also said the role of the PSCs’ chairmen should be spelt out clearly, adding that they must not be allowed to act or make decisions unilaterally.

Khoo also called for the Dewan Rakyat to establish ground rules for the basic functioning of the PSCs, such as the frequency of meetings, attendance of its members, and reporting procedures.

He said the Dewan Rakyat should make it clear that it is compulsory for agencies, groups or individuals to appear before the PSCs if they are summoned, with non-attendance treated as contempt towards Parliament.

The DAP MP also said PSCs should be empowered to set their own agenda and issues to scrutinise as long as it is within the general scope approved by the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the proceedings of the PSCs’ meetings should be open to the public and broadcasted live, unless they involve sensitive information.

“I write these reflections in the hope that the Dewan Rakyat will critically review and strengthen the PSC system in the upcoming parliamentary session,” he said.

“It will be a waste of time and resources if PSCs are re-established without proper authority and processes to carry out their role effectively.” - FMT