Ronald Kiandee is PAC chairman
deputy speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee has been appointed Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman.
Ipoh Timur member of parliament Wong Kah Woh was appointed his deputy.
Their appointments received endorsement from MPs present when Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof opened the motion for debate yesterday in the Dewan Rakyat.
The motion was put forward by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
The appointments came just before Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng tabled the Sales Tax 2018 Bill for a second reading.
In a statement, Kiandee, who is Umno’s Beluran MP, said his appointment was a progressive step in light of PAC’s role in overseeing financial matters of the government.
He said this was vital to ensure that PAC be a part of the checks and balances in a democratic system to ensure a transparent and accountable administration.
“I urge PAC members to set aside their respective political ideology when attending meetings.
“This is so that PAC proceedings can be conducted without fear or favour to any quarters,” he said.
Kiandee suggested that the Dewan Rakyat Speaker relook Standing Order 85 that bars PAC meetings from being conducted openly.
“This will ensure PAC proceedings can be run in a transparent, (and ensure) accountability and credibility.”