PETALING JAYA: The Government has no power to stop any investigation carried out by Parliament, says Barisan Nasional strategic communications director Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (pic).
“Will the recent four appointments derail or stop the investigation altogether?
“The answer is absolutely not.
“Once it has started, it can only be stopped when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has made a conclusion and presented the same to the members of Dewan Rakyat.
“PAC doesn’t stop its function or investigation just because some of the MPs have ceased to be members,” he said in a statement.
He was commenting on the functions of the PAC following the departure of four Barisan Nasional members from the PAC in Tuesday’s Cabinet reshuffle.
He added that Parliament would sit again in early October to decide the new PAC chairman and members.
“The four appointees were appointed not because they were members of PAC, but in their capacity as MPs.
“They were chosen due to their abilities and position in their respective party.
He said that he was sure the new chairman would pick up where Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed had left off with ease.
Bar Council president Steven Thiru insisted that Standing Order 82 (1) does not prohibit a Select Committee, which is not reflective of the composition of the Dewan Rakyat, from functioning.
“The fact that the PAC is still composed of members from both sides of the political divide is sufficient to allow it to continue,” he said in a statement.
Thiru said the PAC proceedings on 1MDB must proceed.
“Any absence by the summoned witnesses from these proceedings would be contempt of Parliament,” said Steven.
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