SHAH ALAM: The structure of the Selangor Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will not be altered to accommodate more seats for opposition assemblymen, despite protests from them.
Menteri Besar Azmin Ali said the state government felt that the
PAC line-up of seven members — five assemblymen from the Pakatan pact and two from Barisan Nasional (BN), with one of the seven as the chairman — was in line with the practice of other Commonwealth countries.
He was commenting on a statement by BN state liaison chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar, who said BN might opt to leave the opposition leader seat vacant until the state government revised the conditions of the PAC.
“The opposition needs to realise that the state government needs their support and cooperation to ensure there is check and balance in the state.
“They cannot only think about their own interests but instead make a decision for the greater good.
“The state government will not change its mind about the PAC.
“I hope the opposition will take this opportunity to prove that they are serious and committed
to serving the people, as well
as appointing someone to be
the head of PAC,” Azmin said after attending the Selangor fishing Grand Slam GP event here yesterday.
BN has been without an official leader since its former head in
the state assembly, Sungai
Burong assemblyman Datuk Shamsudin Lias, resigned from his position.
This took place after he returned the car given by the state government during the leadership of former menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, on the flood situation in the state, Azmin said the state government had approved RM5.5 million for flood mitigation and repair works in flood-prone districts such as Kajang.
“The works include our plan to increase the depth and width of the river to make sure that it can sustain rainwater from downpour.
“There are also plans to build better, stronger barriers between the river and areas susceptible to flooding to avoid the river from bursting its banks.
“We realised after visiting the flood-prone sites last year that extensive repair works and upgrading need to be done on the drains and roads as the flood in Kajang can be avoided if proper water mitigation system is put in place.
“Works will start in a few weeks and we are looking forward to a flood-free Kajang soon.”