The Malaysian Insight

THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will meet to discuss Ronald Kiandee’s position after he joined the ruling Pakatan Harapan, said PAC member Wong Chen. 

He said it’s best for the committee to have a meeting among themselves to discuss the former Barisan Nasional MP’s status as chairman before taking it up with Putrajaya.

“I think it’s clear that PAC needs a meeting among ourselves, members of PAC, and then we will get Ronald (Kiandee)’s opinion,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today. 

As part of its manifesto to provide better accountability, PH pledged to appoint a PAC chairman from the opposition if it captured power.

Kiandee was nominated by BN and his appointment was endorsed by the Dewan Rakyat.

However, since the Umno man’s defection to Bersatu, a member of the PH pact, there have been calls for the Beluran MP to quit the post.

Hannah Yeoh (PH-Segambut) and Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-Permatang Pauh) have also joined the chorus calling on Kiandee to quit and the post taken up by an opposition MP.

Wong said an opposition MP should lead the PAC. 

“Generally I’m in agreement with Nurul Izzah that PAC is supposed to be monitoring the current government’s wastage and corruption issues. So it’s best that the opposition leads it. 

“Otherwise people will blame PAC for whitewashing or hiding information,” he said, adding that it is a standard practice globally to have an opposition as the PAC chairman. 

For his part, Kiandee said he will leave the decision to PH chairman and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“I will follow what my leader tells me. I will quit if he ask me to,” said Kiandee after joining Bersatu last Friday.

Dr Mahathir said over the weekend, there is no need for Kiandee to quit. – March 18, 2019.

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