PAC to name witnesses who refuse to attend proceedings

All former control officers and secretaries-general (KSU) must appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to explain any issues that arose while they were in charge of ministries, departments, or government agencies whenever they are called to attend its proceedings.

Its chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said this is to allow the committee to conduct a thorough investigation and that the absence of the former control officers and former secretaries-general would result in an incomprehensive PAC report.

"PAC is aware that the control officers and KSU mentioned in the auditor general's report (LKAN) were unable to provide an explanation for the issues highlighted (in LKAN) because they did not occur during their service period.

"Therefore, it is very important for all control officers and KSU to fulfil their responsibilities for the PAC as stated in the Treasury Directive (Amendment 2023) and attend the proceedings when summoned by the committee," she said in a statement today.

She said that former control officers and KSU's refusal to attend the PAC proceedings is an offence under Section 9(a) of the House of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 (Act 347).

Ermieyati said the PAC will publish the names of the witnesses who refused to appear at the PAC proceedings to let the public know that the committee does not receive cooperation from the individuals involved.

She also demanded that the chief secretary to the government and the director general of public service take note of any former control officers and KSU who refused to attend the proceedings.

"In addition, the PAC wants the government to establish a mechanism to ensure that all former control officers and KSU who are summoned appear at the PAC proceedings," she said.

Ermieyati said it is important for the PAC to prepare a comprehensive and transparent report that takes into account the testimony and explanations of all parties involved in the issue under investigation.