Works Minister S Samy Vellu could be cited for contempt of Parliament for barring his ministry's officers from attending meetings called by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

PAC deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw today said the committee had the power to summon persons to answer its queries and ask for papers and records.

According to Bernama , he said that under Parliament's Standing Orders, the committee could send for the minister and did not have to accept his written answers.

"You have contravened Article 77 of the Standing Orders. You have held Parliament in contempt," added the Kepong MP.

Yesterday, Samy Vellu told PAC chairperson Shahrir Abdul Samad to stop meddling in the affairs of his ministry by constantly calling its officers to attend its meetings.

He said he would ask the ministry's director-general to give written answers to questions from PAC in future.

Minister must clarify

His remarks followed Shahrir's call to the ministry to negotiate with Gerbang Perdana Sdn Bhd to reduce its claim for RM100 million compensation for the cancellation of the 'scenic bridge' project to replace the Johor Causeway.

The minister said the ministry knew how to evaluate the compensation request as it was "not as stupid as they (PAC) think".

Samy Vellu had also remarked sarcastically that Shahrir run his ministry.

"We are not stupid and the PAC must be aware of this. Any contractor can ask for RM100 million but we are not going to give it to them. We have to consider the request, discuss with our engineers, visit the site (construction site) and get more details before making any decision.

"If not ask the PAC chairman to come and sit here and run the ministry. When he approves any project, we will implement it," he had said.

Meanwhile, Tan said Samy Vellu should clarify whether he would insist on giving only written answers to PAC's enquiries as reported by the media.