Former menteri besar Zambry Abd Kadir walked out of the Perak Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting today after failing to argue his case for a closed-door hearing.

Zambry was supposed to be the key witness of PAC's inquiry into the financial records of Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI).

He engaged in an argument with PAC chairperson Leong Cheok Keng on grounds that having a public hearing was unconventional, according to Star Online.

Zambry argued that the PAC normally conducts investigations after an audit report and witnesses were supposed to testify before the committee members only.

"This is how it is conducted in Parliament as well. So until the committee changes it to a closed-door hearing instead of a public hearing, I will not say anything," he told reporters.

Following this, Leong told reporters there were no legal requirement for the Perak PAC to conduct its proceedings behind closed doors.

"We are holding a public hearing to be transparent... (Zambry walking out) is in contempt of the committee and the state legislative assembly.

"PAC can take disciplinary action against him, but we are not doing so. Instead, we will refer him to the state legislative assembly," said Leong.

The PAC consists of seven members, of whom two are from Umno who did not attend the meeting.

Leong said Pengkalan Hulu assemblyperson Aznel Ibrahim had notified the PAC of his absence while Slim assemblyperson Khusairi Abdul Talib did not.