Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member Tony Pua has questioned PAC chairman Datuk Hasan Arifin's arguments that the committee need not call any more witnesses in relation to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) probe.
"Based on his arguments, the PAC do not have to call any witnesses at all because 1MDB has already issued dozens of press statements to explain everything.
"As a member of the PAC, I am stunned by the arguments laid out by the Hasan for not calling any more additional witnesses, including Bank Negara Governor, Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz and former 1MDB Chief Executive Officer, Mohd Hazem Abdul Rahman," said Pua in a statement.
Datuk Hasan has said earlier that Hazem's testimony was not needed as issues during his tenure had already been answered by 1MDB chairman Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin in earlier proceedings.
READ: 1MDB: No need to call Mohd Hazem or Zeti - PAC chairman
READ: 1MDB: Only two more people to give statement to PAC
Pua in his statement noted that Lodin acted in his capacity as the 1MDB chairman, not as the CEO who executed the actions by the company.
Pua added that Hasan's apparent unilateral attempt to end the PAC inquiry before exhausting all material witnesses would destroy all perceptions of impartiality of the PAC in handling this investigation.
On Hasan's argument that the process of concluding the probe could be delayed by calling in more witnesses, Pua said the excuse was unacceptable.
"The calls to decide on key witnesses to be summoned was repeatedly delayed or postponed by Hasan himself during the meetings since November 2015.
"Had the decisions been made earlier, the PAC could have finished with all the witnesses much earlier," said Pua.
READ: 1MDB: Monetary Authority of Singapore, CAD seize large number of bank accounts
READ: Zeti hopes 1MDB investigations to conclude by April
Hasan had reportedly said that the PAC has enough information to make an 'objective, transparent and fair conclusion' on its probe into 1MDB.
He added that the committee need not call additional witnesses as suggested by Pua.
Hafiz Marzukhi
Wed Feb 10 2016
Pua said had the decisions been made earlier, the PAC could have finished with all the witnesses much earlier.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.