RM1mil spent on Khir’s trip to France, Morocco

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/2/courts/3610585&sec=courts

SHAH ALAM: Permodalan Negri Selangor Bhd (PNSB) spent almost RM1mil for a trip to France and Morocco taken by former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and his entourage in 2004.

The entourage included his wife Datin Seri Zaharah Kechik, their three children and Indonesian maid.

PNSB chief executive officer Datin Khairiyah Abu Hassan re-vealed this at the Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) inquiry yesterday.

She said that among others, RM81,723 was spent on Dr Khir, RM366,000 on a recce team which went earlier to prepare for the trip and RM2,300 for an economy class ticket for the maid.

PNSB also paid an additional RM9,000 for Dr Khir and his family’s accommodation during a four-day transit in Dubai.

The inquiry heard that PNSB paid RM750,000 for Dr Khir’s trip to the United Stated in December 2007, which included tickets to Orlando Disneyland.

An additional RM110,000 was spent on Dr Khir’s seven-night stay at a hotel suite in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr Khir and his family also flew first class, said Khairiyah, adding that the entourage visited Miami Beach, Los Angeles and the Kennedy Space Center.

On why the trips were conducted during the school holidays, Khairiyah said Dr Khir, then PNSB chairman, had fixed the dates.

Selcat chairman Teng Chang Khim said a police report may be lodged against Dr Khir and Zaharah for failing to attend the inquiry.

Zaharah was the head of the now defunct Wives of Selangor State Assemblymen and MPs Charity and Welfare Organisation (Balkis), which is being investigated for various financial discrepancies.

As far as the Contempt of House Act 2008 is concerned, Teng said anyone violating the Act could be prosecuted with the Attorney-General’s consent.

He added that Dr Khir may be referred to the State Assembly’s Privileges Committee for further action.