Wee: Finance Minister too should be on Khazanah board

PETALING JAYA: Lim Guan Eng will not be able to answer questions in Parliament if he is not appointed to Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s board of directors, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“If the Finance Minister is not on the board, then his knowledge about Khazanah will only be limited to the information from financial reports and other written reports of the sovereign fund.

“However, he is answerable to the Dewan Rakyat and bears the responsibility to answer questions related to the fund.

“If Lim is not able to respond and these questions are instead directed to the Prime Minister or the Economic Affairs Minister, this will be embarrassing.

“This is akin to humiliating him,” the MCA deputy president said.

Dr Wee said the Pakatan Harapan government should act according to the law.

“Khazanah is set up pursuant to the Minister of Finance (Incorporation) Act 1957, so even if Lim is not appointed as the chairman, he should at least be a board member,” he said in a statement published on his Facebook.

According to Promise 22 of Pakatan’s manifesto, the coalition pledged to ensure the appointment of state and national government-linked companies’ board members will be made based on merit and professionalism.

“But the Prime Minister has gone against this promise and become the chairman of Khazanah.

“In addition, the Economic Affairs Minister is also appointed to the board.

“If the manifesto has no influence on the appointment, then why should the Finance Minister be excluded?” Dr Wee asked.

He said the attitude of not fulfill- ing promises and not acting in accordance with rules would cause chaos in the public administration, which in turn would have a negative impact on the country and its people.

“I suggest that the Finance Minister be appointed as the director of Khazanah,” he said, urging all leaders from the government and opposition, as well as the people to support his suggestion.