Opposition to lead PAC? But, who?

It is interesting to note the suggestion by Selangor DAP chairman Tony Pua for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to be chaired by a member of the Opposition coalition rather than the governing party.

The appointment said Pua, who is also DAP national publicity secretary, will be beneficial in ensuring close scrutiny of government expenditures.

Pua said about 67 per cent of Commonwealth PAC were chaired by Opposition, adding that it was timely for the country's PAC to be reformed with global practices.

Now, let's say we take this idea seriously and look for a candidate within any of the Opposition wing to chair the PAC meetings.

Who should we pick to lead?

Currently, there are five Opposition members who are in the PAC. Apart from Pua, the other Opposition members who are sitting in the PAC seats include Teluk Kemang MP Datuk Kamarul Baharin Abbas (PKR), Selayang MP William Leong Jee Ken (PKR), Tumpat MP Datuk Kamarudin Jaafar (PAS) and Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP).

pac members

(from left Tony Pua, Datuk Kamarul Baharin Abbas, Dr Tan Seng Giaw, Datuk Kamarudin Jaafar and William Leong Jee Ken)

Do we pick DAP or PKR or a member from PAS?

If we choose, say Pua or Dr Tan, will either one of them be willing to work with the PAS member? Or if a PAS member is appointed, will its ally in the Pakatan Rakyat be cooperative and work together with PAS?

See, unless the PR put its house in order, it is very difficult to command the rightful respect and trust from the people.

The PR would need to settle its internal crisis especially its political cooperation between the DAP and PAS before it starts demanding more power.