17 July 2019

PAC reports reveals the truth, Lim Guan Eng should formally apologise

Along with the revelation by the official Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report, it was confirmed that the GST refunds were not ‘robbed’ as alleged, but channelled into a consolidated revenue account due to certain protocols. Hence, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng should muster his courage and take responsibility over his “GST refund robbery” remarks, and apologise to the Parliament and the public.

The PAC report showed that the RM19.4 billion in GST refunds were not stolen or missing, but were transferred to a consolidated revenue account, to pay for the government's management and development expenditure. Thus, Lim Guan Eng’s unsubstantiated accusation of the former government was highly regrettable, considering as it was uttered in the honourable Parliament chambers and not some random roadside political campaign. This stunt by Lim Guan Eng certainly shows that his political credence has reached a new low.

Furthermore, playing the integral role of the Finance Minister in the Cabinet, he should concede to the PAC’s verdict and respect the Parliament’s spirit by throwing away his pride to apologise, which ironically would demonstrate his courage and accountability as a representative. Accordingly, the Minister should stop hiding, as he currently not only refuses to apologise, but also relies on DAP members to defend himself while he wallows in denial.

We reiterate that, the Parliament Hansard records, together with the PAC’s report, are enough evidence to prove that the Minister’s remark is motivated to smear the integrity of the previous government. At the same time, we urge all DAP and PH members of the Parliament, to respect the august house, drop the bootlicking act and instead ask Lim Guan Eng to formally apologise.

Dato’ Sri Hoh Khai Mun

MCA Pahang State Liaison Committee Chairman

-MCA online-