Selangor Umno appears to be caught in a tight spot after the state government set in motion plans to appoint an opposition member to head the powerful public accounts committee.

NONE If the move falls through, Selangor would be setting a national precedent in which an opposition member chairs PAC, which is the normal practice in many developed countries which practises the Westminster system.

During the state legislative assembly sitting today, the state filed a motion to appoint Mohd Shamsudin Lias (Umno-Sungai Burong) ( left ) as the new PAC chairperson, replacing Lee Kim Sin (PKR-Kajang).

The move is yet another attempt by Selangor to prove that it is willing to be held accountable and open to opposition scrutiny.

But observers opined that underlying this was Pakatan Rakyat's strategy to embarrass BN which had accorded very little recognition for the opposition's role over the years.

Shamsudin mum

Speaker Teng Chan Kim said the decision to file the motion was made after both the government and opposition benches agreed to the proposal.

"This shows that the Pakatan Rakyat is transparent and open," he said when met outside the House.

NONE "If the state government wanted to cover up the sand (mining) scandal, we would not appoint an opposition assemblyperson to head the PAC."

Teng ( left ) said Mohd Shamsudin is a suitable candidate as he has the experience of a two-term assemblyperson and has also served as a district officer at one time.

Mohd Shamsudin declined to comment on the motion when met outside the House, saying that it is best to first clear more pressing issues lined up for debate.

"I will cross that bridge when it comes," said the Umno man.