WITNESSES, especially top civil servants, who refuse to attend Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearings will be revealed, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said today.

The PAC chairman said this is necessary to ensure the public is informed of issues it is investigating and the non-compliance of former government officials.

She said former government officials are often required to attend PAC hearings because only they can explain issues that cropped up during the material time.

“The refusal of former controlling officers or chief secretaries to attend PAC proceedings is an offence under section 9(a) of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.

“It also gives the impression that they have something to hide,” Mas Ermieyati said in a statement today.

The PAC, a bipartisan body, helps parliament to hold the government to account for its use of public funds and resources by examining the public accounts.

Among its main tools is closed-door hearings.

Transcripts of the hearings will be made available once PAC concludes its investigation report.

Last year, the PAC’s investigation into the navy’s procurement of littoral combat ships led to several executive decisions to ensure greater transparency and accountability on the controversial project.

Mas Ermieyati urged the government to create a mechanism that will ensure that former controlling officers or chief secretaries will attend PAC hearings.

“Attending PAC proceedings is the best platform for former controlling officers or chief secretaries to explain issues raised by the National Audit Department,” she added. – August 16, 2023.