Manikavasagam should cooperate with Selcat

I read with grave concern on Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam's statement that he does not trust Selangor Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) regarding Mentri Besar's decision to refer his graft allegations against Rangkaian Semesta Sendirian Berhad (RMSB) to the selection committee.

Selcat was formed in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, the highest legislative platform in the state of Selangor on 26^th May 2008. The committee will regulate and inspect the competence, accountability and transparency in all administrative matters of the state government and all agencies, statutory bodies, local authorities and organisations linked to or are under the administration of the state government.

Selcat is also empowered to hold public hearings and could recommend investigations. The committee is chaired by State Assembly Speaker Teng Chang Khim and his deputy Haniza Mohamed Talha, Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR- Bukit Antarabangsa), Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Klang), Edward Lee Poh Lin (DAP-Bukit Gasing), Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) and Ismail Sani (BN-Dusun Tua).

In a statement yesterday, S. Manikavasagam jumped into the gun by saying that he does not trust Selcat Chairman Teng Chang Khim, thus he does not trust Selcat as he has an open argument with Teng Chang Khim on the relocation of Klang Sentral Bus Terminal. Teng Chang Khim is the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly and the Assemblyman for Sungai Pinang, under Kapar parliamentary seat.

I strongly support MB's decision to refer the case to Selcat. In the past, Selcat has conducted numerous public hearings and established its fame in upholding the principle of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) in Selangor. Selcat's hearings are also conducted openly and transparently and are broadcasted via TV Selangor. Selcat has also acted without fear or favour. Government officers, elected representatives and others have been summoned to its hearings to testify on issues brought to the attention of Selcat.

Therefore, Selcat is one of the best and probably the quickest platform to investigate the Kapar MP's allegations on KSSB. I do not think S. Manikavasagam should complicate the matter by bringing in his personal dispute with Selcat's chairman Teng Chang Khim on the relocation of Klang Sentral Bus Terminal as Selcat is not Teng Chang Khim's personal property. Selcat is directly responsible to the State Assembly and there are seven members in Selcat, including two BN's elected representatives to check the state government's administration.

What more to say when you have two BN elected representatives in the select committee to probe his graft allegations against KSSB? Manikavasagam should cooperate with Selcat and provide all the information he has as the people of Selangor have the right to know of any corrupt practices of the State Government's subsidiaries.