KUALA LUMPUR – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman has slammed Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan over his ignorance, after the law minister said the panel is able to provide checks and balances to the government under the current state of emergency.
In a statement, Wong Kah Woh said PAC and the Parliamentary Select Committees (PSCs) have been ordered by the Dewan Rakyat speaker not to hold proceedings or meetings as long as Parliament is suspended.
He said PAC and the Health, Science and Innovation PSC publicly urged Putrajaya to allow these independent bodies to resume their duties on March 18, but the call was not heeded.
“Takiyuddin has been mistaken, or does he not know the impact of the proclamation of emergency on PAC and the PSCs?
“I would like to ask if Takiyuddin is really that ignorant, or is he just trying to confuse the public? PAC will not allow its name to be used by Takiyuddin to portray the perception that the government has nothing to hide.”
Earlier, the minister said PAC and several agencies can function as usual amid the emergency to monitor the government for instances of power abuse.
Wong said Takiyuddin’s statement recognises the need for and importance of an administrative monitoring system in all government-related matters, but added this cannot be done when the committee is “paralysed”.
Contrary to Takiyuddin’s claim, Wong said the government appears to be more comfortable that its spending is not being tracked.
He said there have been worrying developments in the matter of checks and balances, following the promulgation of emergency ordinances granting the government unfettered powers relating to the use of funds.
“A March 31 gazette allows spending and withdrawals from the federal consolidated fund with just the government’s approval.
"Separately, an amendment relating to the National Trust Fund has allowed its use for the purpose of vaccine procurement and any related spending.
“Once again, I call on the Dewan Rakyat speaker to allow PAC to reconvene immediately, to ensure the committee can monitor the government’s finances and administration.” – The Vibes, April 26, 2021
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