Hasan Ali should not have publicly criticised Selcat, say fellow reps - Mahfuz

Thursday, September 24, 2009

By G. MANIMARAN and WINNIE YEOH

PETALING JAYA: Selangor executive councillor Datuk Dr Hasan Ali from PAS has come under fire from his colleagues over his criticism of the Selangor state assembly’s Select Committee for Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat).

Several PAS leaders said Dr Hasan, who is also the party’s Selangor commissioner and involved in the creation of Selcat a year ago, should have not publicly questioned the body and put the state’s interest last.

PAS vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said the issue should not have been brought up in this manner and it was tantamount to attacking the principle of separation of powers.

“Selcat is connected to the legislative arm of the Government and there are elements of separation of powers between executive and legislative matters. It should have not been brought up,” he said.

Dr Hasan had hit out at Selcat, which is chaired by Selangor state assembly Speaker Teng Chang Khim, for “grilling” senior civil servants over allocations.

Mahfuz, who is Pokok Sena MP, said as a member of the administration, Dr Hasan should have an understanding about the principle.

“I believe if he really understands, such problems would not arise. I do not know if he understands this aspect or not.

Mahfuz said any party being investigated would never be happy with the investigation procedures.

“Those who are being questioned want first-class treatment,” he said, adding that Dr Hasan as a member of the executive should advise any senior government officer involved in investigations to take action against Selcat if they are not happy.

He cited the case of Puchong MP Gobind Singh who brought his suspension from Parliament to the court to be settled.

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who is a PAS central committee member, said Dr Hasan should have played the role as a member of a Selangor “state team”.

“He should have reflected a team spirit even though he wasn’t happy with the decision that was made and not make a personal statement.

“He should have not made such a statement,” he said.

In GEORGE TOWN, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said it was unusual for Dr Hasan to suggest a revamp when he had approved the legislation to set up Selcat at the Selangor Legislative Assembly.

“If this law was not right, then why did he approve it? He should be fully aware of the extent of his power and nature of his duties. It appears that he doesn’t understand the situation,” Lim said yesterday.

He also said it was more appropriate for Dr Hasan, to bring up the matter internally rather than making it public. - The Star

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