The Selangor assembly's privileges committee today summoned former menteri besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo to explain his absence at the Balkis inquiry in March.

khir toyo zaharah kechik selangor former mb 171208 Also summoned were four other BN elected representatives who missed the inquiry held by Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) to look into an alleged abuse of state funds by the organisation which was headed by Khir's wife Zaharah Kechik.

And after an hour-long 'inquiry', assembly speaker Teng Chang Khim who chaired the meeting said a decision will be made next Tuesday.

The four BN elected representatives summoned along with Khir were Warno Dogol (Sabak), Isa Abdul Kasim (Batang Kali), Marsum Paing (Dengkil) and Mohamad Idris Abu Bakar (Hulu Bernam).

Khir, now an opposition leader, was accompanied to the meeting at 10am this morning by his lawyer M Athimulam.

After the meeting Khir refused to be drawn into commenting on the matter.

"I cant' say anything. I have been prohibited from talking (by Teng)," he said, repeating this at least three times.

He also refused to state if he had been suspended or if he would appeal any decision made at the meeting.

"I can't say anything because the chairperson said I can't say anything outside of the room," he said.

Khir's wife in trouble too

Talking to reporters later, Teng said that the committee will call another meeting next Tuesday to wrap up its investigations before submitting the report to the state assembly.

selangor privilleges commitee meeting on allegation against khir toyo 120509 03 "We will make recommendations in the report. If the House endorses the report, the recommendations will be carried out," he said.

Khir and the four elected representative can be suspended from the House if they are found guilty. Alternatively, they can just be left off with a warning.

Teng also revealed that Khir's wife Zaharah will also have to answer for her absence at the Balkis inquiry.

He said that the state government had lodged a police report against her last week under the Contempt of the House (Selangor Legislative Assembly) Enactment 2008.

Under the enactment, Zaharah can be punished with imprisonment up to 12 months or a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both.

Teng said the police will conduct an investigation on Zaharah's alleged contempt before submitting the report to the Attorney-General's xChambers for further action.

Khir had previously explained his reasons for missing the inquiry. He had claimed it was not done in a proper manner - that it should have been held behind closed doors.

Teng had previously said that Khir had committed contempt by not attending the Balkis inquiry and could possibly face suspension from the state assembly.