KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Ipoh Timur MP Wong Kah Woh has been elected as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) replacing Parit Sulong MP Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, when proposing the motion for the election in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, said that Beaufort MP Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun was elected as the vice-chairman replacing Wong who previously held the post.
The motion was then unanimously accepted by members of the Dewan Rakyat.
It also attracted the attention of several MPs who stood up to give their views and suggestions on improvements to strengthen the PAC.
One of them, Tebrau MP Steven Choong Shiau Yoon, suggested that the PAC proceedings be made public as a live broadcast so that the people know what transpired during the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman urged PAC members to detect leaks in ministries and government agencies more closely.
“There are still several leaks and wastes, especially when there was a change of government officials in ministries or agencies.
“Detection by the PAC has not reached the level that can save government money or the people from the waste and leakage that occurs,” he said.
Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin on the other hand said that the PAC needs to be strengthened and empowered by autonomy, not only to issue reprimands but also the power to take action against ministries or agencies that have slipped off the path.
Takiyuddin, when winding up the debate on the motion, said that all views would be taken into consideration by the new leadership as guidelines in carrying out their duties.
— Bernama
