Samy, you have held Parliament in contempt,14.6.2006

Deputy Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Dr Tan Seng Giaw presses the Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to read carefully Article 77 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders because his utterances are in contravention of the Orders.

Yesterday, Samy urged PAC Chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad to stop meddling in the affairs of the Works Ministry.

MP for Kepong Dr Tan comments on the Works Minister's contradicting statement. Samy said:"The PAC could not keep asking ministry officials to attend its meetings just so that it would be able to give press conferences.

"We can't waste our time. We only have a limited time to implement projects. The PAC should realize that it is not the operator of the Works Ministry," he added. Did he also ask Shahrir to be the minister?

Samy should clarify whether he would insist on giving only written answers to PAC enquiry as reported by the media.

Samy, you have contravened Article 77 of the Standing Orders. You have held Parliament in contempt.

At the beginning of every Parliament, the House appointed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the examination of four main areas like the accounts of the Federation and such other matters as the Committee may think fit, or which may be referred to the Committee by the House. The Committee shall have power to send for persons, papers and records, and to report from time to time.

Granted, the cancellation of the Johor scenic bridge integrated project on 12 April, 2006 involves implications and consequences such as remedial works and compensation to the contractor. The Claims Committee must decide whether the amount of compensation is RM100 million.

Under the Standing Orders, the Committee can send for the Works Minister. It does not have to accept his written answers.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw
DAP National Deputy Chairman