Selangor firm on having BN assemblyman as PAC chairman

The Selangor government is firm with its decision to have an opposition member in the State Legislative Assembly appointed as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali said because of that the Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) should name a person to be the Opposition Chief in the State Assembly and who would automatically assumed the post of PAC chairman.

"Other developing countries in the world also give the PAC chairman's post to their respective Opposition leaders to serve as a 'check and balance' in the government's administration.

"They (Selangor BN) should take this opportunity to prove that they are serious in wanting to rectify and ensure democracy in Selangor is really strong," he told reporters at a function here Sunday.

On Dec 4, the Selangor state assembly amended the standing order requiring the opposition leader be appointed as PAC chairman to ensure progress in line with developed countries.

This led to Sungai Burong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Shamsuddin Lias to resign last Dec 8 as Selangor opposition leader with immediate effect following his refusal to accept the appointment as PAC chairman.