PETALING JAYA, July 8 — Malaysia, unlike other Commonwealth countries, may not have the political maturity to have an opposition member chair its parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low told The Malay Mail he was in favour of it, but such positions could be abused for political mileage.
“I see it as a good thing, but it is not just about picking fault with the government and not just for political mileage.”
“It depends on political maturity. To what extent can politicians give constructive criticism? Overseas, the opposition joins constructive and bipartisan discussions, so maybe they can do it there.”
Low said that in Malaysia the opposition would have to note that the seat was meant to be used for constructive criticism and not just to condemn the government.
“Whether we are ready or not, politicians have to judge,” said Low.
However, he said it was not imperative that an opposition member chair the parliamentary PAC, which already consisted of those from both sides of the political divide and with the chairman serving just as a facilitator.
Last week, Pakatan Rakyat-held Selangor invited Barisan Nasional opposition leader Datuk Mohd Shamsuddin Lias to chair the Selangor PAC.
Asked if the move could lead towards a more mature political atmosphere, Low said Selangor could try first, but the federal government did not take cues from the state government.
At the same time, Low declined to advise Mohd Shamsuddin who has turned down the invitation.
