Minister On US$505,470 Payment To K-Pop Artistes

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the issue involving the RM1.6 million (US$505,470)payment to South Korea's K-Pop artistes must be explained to the people to avoid misunderstanding or negative perception. According to the Auditor-General’s Report, it was revealed that the youth and sports ministry had spent RM1.6million to engage the artistes for the National Youth Day celebrations last year. Ahmad Shabery said he agreed with the Parliamentary Standing Order that prohibited the proceedings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) from being carried out in front of the camera, but would still find ways to explain to the people. "I abide by the standing order. I just want to find a way to inform the media as soon as I finish explaining to the PAC. I do not want to be a victim of negative perception," he told the media after a live interview on TV1 in the programme, 'Dialog' in Angkasapuri here Wednesday night. On Tuesday, the minister said Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) was ready to broadcast live the PAC proceedings involving him in the issue, if given permission. However, Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee on Wednesday said the proceedings could not be done in front of the camera because it was against Article 85 of the Parliamentary Standing Order, unless permission was granted by the Lower House of Parliament Speaker. Asked whether he would continue to seek the truth, Ahmad Shabery said he would meet with the PAC in advance to obtain permission. "I have spoken and have sent a letter to them (PAC) to call me for questioning. I understand the PAC will convene in few days, maybe in the next week, to decide on the this matter," he said. Earlier, during an interview on the TV programme, he said PAC was the perfect platform to explain the issue as it was a special committee established under Parliament. "Let me be questioned, if I'm wrong, let me be accountable," he added. -- BERNAMA