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KUALA LUMPUR – The newly appointed chairman and vice-chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have asked for Standing Order 85 of the Dewan Rakyat to be amended to allow PAC proceedings to be open to the public.
Chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and vice-chairman Wong Shu Qi urged Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul, who chairs the Standing Orders Committee, to make the amendment.
“We believe PAC hearings should be conducted openly to ensure all proceedings are held in a transparent manner – with accountability and credibility in line with the institutional reform agenda, which is the main focus of the current government,” they said in a joint statement today.
They said their first task would be to visit the Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd shipyard in Lumut, Perak, to determine the progress of the navy’s littoral combat ship project, which should be reported to the PAC on a quarterly basis.
Mas Ermieyati and Wong also planned to meet soon with all ex-officio PAC members from the finance and economy ministries; Attorney-General’s Chambers; public service, national audit, and accountant-general’s departments; and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to discuss the committee’s direction and related matters.
The appointments of Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati and Kluang MP Wong to the PAC of the 15th Parliament were approved by the lower House today.
The motion for their appointments was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We believe transparency and accountability are important for building public trust and ensuring the current government fulfils the needs of the people,” they said, thanking Anwar for their appointments.
“In implementing the responsibility and mandate given, we hope to cooperate with the PAC members who will be appointed.”
They urged Parliament’s Committee of Selection to swiftly appoint 12 PAC members – comprising eight government and four opposition MPs – so that it could carry out its duty to ensure public funds are spent prudently. – Bernama, April 4, 2023