Former MCA vice-president Yap Pian Hon today declared that he would be ignoring a notice to appear before the party's three-member panel which is probing into the existence of a snoop squad.

He has been issued a notice to appear on Wednesday, but Yap in a press conference said that he wanted his hearing to be postponed to another date.

yap pian hon mca snoop squad pc 190508 04 Explaining his reasons and dissatisfaction over the lack of transparency and details in the conduct of the hearing on witnesses, Yap said that he had written to the investigative committee on May 14, requesting for the committee's terms and reference on the investigation.

"As soon as I received the notice on the May 11, I realised that the simple notice lacked transparency and thoroughness in that there was no mention on the terms of reference and powers given to the three-man committee," he said.

"I have the responsibility and obligation to respond but I am not fully satisfied for the lack of details given to me on the investigation committee and related transparent procedures binding on them."

The three-member panel is led by Sak Cheng Lum with Michael Chen and Roger Tan being the other two members.

It was established to investigate into allegations that MCA president Ong Ka Ting had set the snoop squad on his political rivals.

A witness told the panel last week that Yap was one of the targets of the snoop squad.

Requesting a new date

Yap also said that he had requested for a new date for him to be present before the panel but have not heard anything from the panel.

yap pian hon mca snoop squad pc 190508 03 "I've written a second letter to the three-man committee on May 16 requesting for a postponement of my hearing scheduled for May 21 to May 28 to give me more time to prepare for my testimony."

"To date, I have not received any reply from the secretariat of the three-man committee," Yap said.

Yap also said his past experiences and involvement in some of the party's previous disputes had made him realise the party leadership's past weaknesses in handling such disputes.

He said that those should not be repeated with lack of transparency, accountability and double-standard practices.

"I agree to the view that all witnesses should make a statutory oath of declaration on their statements to the three-man investigative panel."

"All presidential council members mentioned in the report or allegedly linked to the snoop squad should abstain (their rights) in the decision-making and participation in any discussion pertaining to the report when the investigation is completed," Yap said, adding, "so as to avoid conflict of interests."