KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 13): The opposition should have more representation in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as it is needed to play a check-and-balance role against the government, PKR's Member of Parliament (MP) for Subang Wong Chen told Malaysiakini today.

At present, the PAC comprises nine Pakatan Harapan MPs, three BN, one PAS and one PBB. However, the committee is led by the opposition, namely BN's Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee.

"The PAC is really about (monitoring) government spending. It should not have to reflect the composition of Parliament per se.

"We should try and give a greater voice to the opposition. If we have 14 members, then an 8:6 ratio (eight for Harapan and six for the opposition) would be better," he told Malaysiakini.

Wong said he hoped that the same consideration will be made in the appointment of members to future select committees.

However, Wong said Kiandee leading the PAC is a step in the right direction.

"We (PAC) will look at every issue, there will be nothing to hide... We will criticise any misappropriation," he said.

Allowing the opposition to lead the PAC has been part of the manifesto of the Pakatan Harapan government.

According to Malaysiakini, the line-up of the PAC was unveiled today. The PAC composition is as follow:

• Chairperson: Ronald Kiandee (BN-Beluran)

• Vice-chairperson: Wong Kah Woh (Harapan-Ipoh Timur)

• Members:
– Wong Chen (Harapan-Subang)
– Akmal Nasir (Harapan-Johor Bahru)
– Willie Mongin (Harapan-Puncak Borneo)
– Steven Choong (Harapan-Tebrau)
– Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (Harapan-Hulu Langat)
– Wong Hon Wai (Harapan-Bukit Bendera)
– Wong Shu Qi (Harapan-Kluang)
– Muslimin Yahaya (Harapan-Sungai Besar)
– Ahmad Hamzah (BN-Jasin)
– Hasan Arifin (BN-Rompin)
– Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Bharu)
– Robert Lawson Chuat (PBB-Betong)