PNSB spent RM1mil on Balkis in 2007, CEO tells panel

By Wani Muthiah
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/3/26/nation/3562867&sec=nation

SHAH ALAM: Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB) spent about RM1mil in 2007 to sponsor a three-day sports event organised by the now defunct Wives of Selangor State Assemblymen and MPs Charity and Welfare Organisation (Balkis).

PNSB CEO Datin Khairiyah Abu Hassan, who testified before the Selangor State Assembly’s Select Committee on Competency, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) yesterday, said purchases included sporting apparel for Balkis and the visiting contingent members.

Balkis was headed by former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo’s wife Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik throughout his tenure as mentri besar.

PNSB also paid RM45,781.00 worth of souvenirs for VIP guests attending the event.

The committee, chaired by Selangor Legislative Assembly speaker Teng Chang Khim, also included Deputy Speaker and Taman Medan assemblyman Haniza Talha, Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman Azmin Ali, Hulu Klang assemblyman Saari Sungib and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee as well as Barisan Nasional’s assemblymen Sulaiman Abdul Razak (Permatang) and Ismail Sani (Dusun Tua).

The inquiry also heard that PNSB paid RM34,600 for a Hong Kong trip in March 2007 and RM88,388 for a trip to Tokyo in June the same year.

The committee also noted that PNSB only spent RM4,000 for a welfare scheme for single mothers in October 2007 as opposed to the large amount of money forked out to pay for Balkis activities.

Khairiyah had also said that PNSB made payments on behalf of Balkis without really knowing who the recipients were.