Filepix of Nur Jazlan (left) and Tan at one of the PAC hearings
KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will continue its hearing into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) as there is enough quorum after the departure of four members to form the new Cabinet.
PAC deputy chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw said Standing Order 83(3) stipulates that the proceedings can go as long as there is enough quorum.
Standing Order 83(3) reads: "Unless the House otherwise direct, three members including the chairman shall be the quorum."
This means the trio from 1MDB - chief executive officer Datuk Shahrol Halmi, president and group executive director Arul Kanda Kandasamy and former managing director and CEO Mohd Hazem Abd Rahman - are to appear as scheduled before the commission on Aug 4, 5 and 6.
The question of whether PAC could continue its probe arose after former chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, members Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau relinquished their posts after being roped into the Cabinet.
Dr Tan, who is Kepong DAP MP, said the chairman here refers to any PAC member elected to chair the meeting.
He cited Standing Order 77(3) and explained that the committee can elect any one member to act as a chairman to preside over the PAC meeting in absence of the chairman or vice chairman due to illness or any other reason.
Dr Tan said although the four have been appointed as ministers and deputy ministers, there are still nine remaining PAC members, of whom five are from the Opposition.
"We have enough quorum so the proceedings can continue.
"It is inappropriate if the proceedings on 1MDB is put to an end as this involves the concerns of the public and it is paramount they know the truth," Dr Tan told a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday.
The remaining members from Barisan Nasional are Kulim Bandar Baru MP Datuk Abd Aziz Sheikh Fadzir, Simpang Renggam MP Datuk Liang Teck Meng, Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah and Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Wee Jeck Seng.
William Leong (PKR-Selayang) who is also a PAC member said those who have received the notification for the proceedings should turn up or risk being in contempt of Parliament in accordance to the House of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952.
"Those who don't show up can be fined or jailed, it is similar to contempt of court," he said.
Nur Jazlan on Tuesday said all PAC proceedings will be temporarily stopped until there is a new line up of members.
Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar (PAS-Tumpat), however, said Nur Jazlan cannot speak on behalf of the committee as he is no longer a member.
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