PAC chairman sings different tune, decides to hold press conference

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Hasan Arifin today rescinded his decision to not hold anymore press conferences, citing that he wanted to defend his responsibility towards the Parliament.

"As a member of the PAC, we have a responsibility towards the Parliament and the Parliament is responsible towards the people.

"Therefore, it is our responsibility to provide explanation to the people from time to time on the PAC’s journey," said Hasan.

Hasan had previously said that the PAC will not be holding anymore press conferences following the backlash it received over his cari makan remark.

In a statement last Thursday, Hasan said he was disappointed that his efforts to foster a friendly environment with the media were not appreciated by some.

Hasan had made the cari makan remark when commenting on questions on whether the PAC will be calling up Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in its probe into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

However, he had said that the remark was a joke and requested the media not to report it.

He also said the issue of RM2.6 billion donation deposited into Najib's account was not related to the 1MDB investigation and stressed that the public must be clearly informed of the difference.

He said the PAC's view was based on an interim report by the Auditor-General on 1MDB.