PARLIAMENT should involve the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in scrutinising additional allocations and excess spending by ministries to ensure greater accountability in the use of public funds, says Kuala Pilah MP Adnan Abu Hassan.
He said the committee’s involvement would allow expenditure beyond approved allocations to be examined more closely, particularly when ministries sought additional funds to meet their spending needs.
Adnan pointed to Standing Order 77(1), which empowers the PAC to examine federal accounts and the use of public funds approved by Parliament.
He said Standing Order 77(1)(d) also gave the committee room to investigate other matters it considered appropriate or those referred to it by the Dewan Rakyat.
Standing Order 77(5), meanwhile, allows the PAC to summon individuals, obtain documents and records, and submit reports.
“Article 101 of the Federal Constitution, which provides for supplementary estimates to be presented to the Dewan Rakyat when additional expenditure is required or spending exceeds the amount originally approved,” he cited.
Adnan added involving the PAC would give Parliament a greater opportunity to scrutinise ministries’ financial decisions and ensure additional spending was properly accounted for.
He said the principle was straightforward: ministries entrusted with public funds must be answerable for how that money is spent. - November 6, 2026
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