Several opposition members in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are confident that former youth and sports minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek will be asked to explain the discrepancy in the RM1.6 million as payment to bring in K-Pop groups to perform during the National Youth Day event last year.

This follows reports that Ahmad Shabery, who is now the Communication and Multimedia Minister, is willing to meet with the PAC and have the session televised live.

When contacted, Selayang MP William Leong from PKR said he is certain the next PAC meeting will discuss who are to be called.

“This is when we look at cases highlighted from the Auditor-General’s Report,” he said.

Another Pakatan Rakyat PAC member, Tony Pua (DAP-Petaling Jaya Utara), said the matter would best be brought up to PAC chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

“However, personally I would like to know the truth (about the discrepancy),” said Pua, who is the DAP’s national publicity secretary.

Ahmad Shabery yesterday said he had contacted Nur Jazlan on the matter.

“I will explain this matter to the PAC. I have contacted the PAC chairperson to call me.”

“I will also request that Parliament allows the proceedings of my explanation to the PAC to be broadcast live on television,” the former youth and sports minister said.

NONEAhmad Shabery (right) was asked to comment on auditor-general Ambrin Buang’s insistence that the concert was paid for by the government and not by sponsors, as he had claimed.

Ambrin in the report had also classified the expenditure as imprudent and excessive.

Shabery had said that the RM1.6 million was paid through the National Sports Council from sponsors, while Ambrin insists the money was paid from the National Youth Council and this was not disputed by the ministry or the council.

Present Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar had admitted the government had to fork out the bill after the sponsors withdraw.

‘Ahmad Shabery taking responsibility’

PAC chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed lauded Ahmad Shabery’s intention to appear before the PAC to explain.

“This is a good development as never before has a minister expressed willingness to come voluntarily to give his response, and this shows he is taking responsibility.

“I hope many other ministers would emulate Ahmad Shabery to appear before PAC and answer,” he said.

Nur Jazlan said PAC will have its first meeting on Oct 23, and the highlights of the Auditor-General’s Report will be scrutinised and we hope that Ahmad Shabery will come at the next meeting to explain the K-Pop expenditure.

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