KUCHING: A member of parliament has called for proper checks and balances and accountability in the running of government-linked companies (GLCs) and agencies.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said all state GLCs which have at their disposal billions of ringgit, should report directly to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) to ensure accountability and proper checks and balances.
“The planned sovereign fund though has noble intentions to benefit our people could be abused if there is a little oversight and end up like 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) which was initially set up as a sovereign fund as well.
“We should establish more select committees and be given enough resources and manpower to shadow each of the ministries and operate as entities to monitor the relevant ministries.
“These committees should be chaired by both the government and opposition elected representatives to allow better transparency and accountability and get all elected representatives to be involved in policy discussion,” he said in a statement yesterday (Aug 24).
Dr Yii said Sarawakians must learn from the recent conviction and imprisonment of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“A strong DUN can help avoid such scandals from affecting our beloved homeland and even reveal any scandals that may be happening and bring those involved to justice,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s future and the future of its people are closely tied to how it is governed.
“Good governance and stronger checks and balances will ensure the voice of Sarawakians is upheld, “he said.
