Opposition BN rep to be named Selangor state PAC chief! Well done, PR!!

Selangor to name BN rep as state PAC chief

By Neville Spykerman

July 12, 2010

The motion to appoint Shamsudin will be made at the current state assembly seating. — file pic

SHAH ALAM, July 12 — In another first, the Selangor legislature will appoint an opposition Barisan Nasional (BN) state assemblyman to head its powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC) — following parliamentary convention in most Commonwealth countries.
A motion to appoint Datuk Mohd Shamsudin Lias as state PAC chairman will be tabled at this sitting of the Selangor state assembly.
Currently, Parliament and all other state PACs are headed by ruling government backbenchers with the opposition serving as members.
“We believe in setting examples and milestones. This is a good move,” Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar told The Malaysian Insider today.
The Sungai Burong assemblyman, who is currently one of two BN state lawmakers in PAC, was selected because of his experience.
Mohd Shamsudin is a former civil servant, having previously served as a district officer.
Dr Xavier said Parliament should follow the example and appoint a federal opposition member as head of its PAC.
“This will allow the opposition to play its role as an effective check and balance on government administration,” said Dr Xavier.
DAP’s Lau Weng San said the motion to appoint Mohd Shamsudin will be supported by both Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and BN state lawmakers.
“I understand that discussions have been held between the Speaker and the Selangor opposition leader,” the Kampung Tunku assemblyman.
He added that Mohd Shamsudin had a good track record in the state assembly and was known to be hardworking.
Mohd Shamsudin is due to replace PKR Kajang assemblyman Lee Kim Sin as state PAC leader. Lee will remain as ordinary member of the select committee.