Najib to testify before PAC on GST refund issue Oct 24, Irwan Oct 23
KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been summoned to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Oct 24 as part of its probe into the RM19.4 billion shortfall in the fund set up for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds.
PAC has also summoned former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah to testify on Oct 23.
In a brief text message yesterday, PAC chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee confirmed that Irwan was scheduled to testify before the committee at 11.30am next Tuesday.
According to the PAC schedule shared in the message, Najib, who was finance minister, is slated to appear before the committee at 11am on Wednesday.
The schedule also revealed that PAC had also summoned several other individuals, including Customs director-general Datuk Seri T. Subromaniam at 2.30pm on Oct 23; former auditor-general Tan Sri Ambrin Buang at 2.30pm on Oct 29; and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng at 2.30pm on Oct 30.
Ronald said their attendance was required as part of its investigation.
It was previously reported that PAC would summon Najib and Irwan to appear before the Parliamentary Select Committee over the issue.
In August, Lim had called for a public inquiry over the “missing” funds when he wrapped up debates on the Customs (Amendments) Bill 2018 in the Dewan Rakyat.
Later that month, police recorded a statement from the finance minister over the issue. This followed a report lodged by Barisan Nasional’s Rembau member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin, who wanted the authorities to clear the air over the controversy.
PAC comprises MPs from the government and opposition bench, as well as ex-officio members from various ministries and agencies, including the Finance Ministry, Auditor General’s Department, Attorney-General’s Chambers, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Service Department, AccountantGeneral’s Department and the Economic Planning Unit.