The Malaysian Insight

PUBLIC Accounts Committee (PAC) proceedings should remain confidential except for controversial hearings that require public attention, said Parliament speaker Mohamad Ariff Yusof.

“I tend to think better to have the proceedings being confidential but we have exceptions. I think it will better fit into our structure,” he told reporters today.

PAC deputy chairman Wong Kah Woh said yesterday that the committee has filed a motion to suspend a rule that prevents it from opening proceedings to the public.

However, Ariff said in order for PAC hearings to be made public, the Parliamentary Standing Order must be amended first.

Ariff added that for controversial matters, reports would still be needed to be submitted to Parliament first.

“We still have the Houses of Parliament (Power and Privileges) Act which has a provision, (it) tends to limit public hearings.

“Until the report is presented, then the evidences heard before committee is still confidential,” he said.

The PAC today called up former prime minister Najib Razak over alleged missing Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds of RM19.4 billion during his administration.

PAC chairman Ronald Kiandee did not dismiss the possibility that Najib, who was also finance minister, would be recalled for another session. – October 24, 2018.