Don’t use PAC probes for by-election campaign – Noraini
KUALA LUMPUR: Stop using Public Accounts Committee (PAC) proceedings on vehicle Registration Certificates (RC) and Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) as campaign material in the Tanjung Piai by-election.
PAC chairman Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said the action was not only irresponsible but also violated Standing Order 85 o Dewan Rakyat.
She said the rule indicated that any evidence taken before a select committee and any letter issued may not be published by any member of the committee, or by anyone.
“For that reason, statements presented in PAC proceedings are confidential and cannot be discussed outside the proceedings,” she said in a statement.
Noraini also pointed out that the PAC was still conducting proceedings on the issue as previously reported through the 2017 Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN) Series 2 after it was published on Feb 20.
“To date, the PAC has held five proceedings on the issue with the last being held on Oct 23,” she said.
She added that with the proceedings still ongoing, the PAC had not held a housekeeping report meeting to finalise reports on the RC and VEP.
“After the committee concludes its report, it will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat and only then could it be read by all parties as it has the status of a public document,” she said.
Noraini added that the committee did not have the power to prosecute or determine if any party present as a witness was involved in any crime or corruption.
“The presence of all the witnesses before the PAC is to assist the committee in carrying out the proceedings, not as the accused in any crime or corruption,” she said.
Bernama
