KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans will have to wait for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reports to be ready to find out why an RM320 million federal allocation for water projects in the state has not been disbursed.
PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said she could not comment on the matter but gave an assurance that the bipartisan parliamentary committee would prepare a comprehensive report.
On June 1 last year, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the federal government had allocated RM320 million to the state for short-term measures to resolve its water woes.
However, it was reported that the money had yet to be channelled to Sabah and the state government had to use its funds to carry out the projects.
"Yes, we will elaborate on that in the report. I can only provide a general overview, as we are still in the procedural phase.
"Under Standing Order 85, we cannot disclose any information gathered during the proceedings, but I can provide a general summary," she said during a press conference at a hotel here.
When asked about the tentative completion of the reports, she said that there are many processes involved.
"We foresee the need for additional proceedings and witness testimony. So, more witnesses will be called.
"For example, one issue required 10 proceedings, and this is only the third. I think there's still a long way to go.
"We aim to prepare the report thoroughly so that it can be used and understood by all Malaysians, particularly the people of Sabah so that they know what's going on."
Today, PAC had conducted two proceedings and had visited sites in Sandakan and Tawau.
She added that the committee would also update Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and state speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya on the water development projects tomorrow (Oct 3).
"I also hope the Sabah PAC will also play a role in providing checks and balances to the state and federal governments to ensure these large-scale projects are properly implemented."
Present was Sandakan member of parliament Vivian Wong.