PETALING JAYA: Witnesses who refuse to attend Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearings, especially former high-ranking civil servants, will be named.
PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (pic) said the majority of proceedings involved witnesses comprising former top government officials, especially controlling officers and secretaries-general, to ensure that all issues raised receive proper explanations, especially those in the Auditor-General's Report.
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Their refusal to attend hearings would give an impression that they were trying to hide something, besides hindering the PAC's investigation, she said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 16).
Mas Ermieyati said the attendance of all witnesses was important as those currently serving would be unable to explain matters that occurred before their period of service.
“Accordingly, PAC would like to emphasise that all former controlling officers and secretaries-general need to be responsible and present to explain the issues that arise while they are at the helm of the ministry, department or government agency involved.
“(Their) absence will cause the PAC report to not be comprehensive.
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“Therefore, this Committee will (make) public the names of witnesses who refuse to appear in PAC proceedings so that the people know that the issues investigated by the PAC did not get cooperation from the individuals concerned,” she said.
She added that refusal by former government officials to attend PAC proceedings is an offence under Section 9 (a) of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.
PAC also asked the Chief Secretary to the Government and the Public Service director-general to take note if any former civil servants refused to attend the proceedings.
In addition, PAC wanted a mechanism to be created by the government so that all exformer officers called would be compelled to present themselves at the PAC proceedings, she said.
Mas Ermieyati reiterated that the presence of witnesses in PAC proceedings is the best platform for them to give an explanation as well as information on the issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Report.
At the same time, she said it was important for the PAC to prepare a comprehensive and transparent report after taking into account information and explanations by all the stakeholders so that it would be balanced and benefit all parties.
“This comprehensive and transparent PAC report is also in line with debates of MPs on the Auditor-General’s Report in the Dewan Rakyat so that the PAC investigates the issues raised more thoroughly,” she said.
