PAC Has the Mandate: Wale

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says it is mandated to look into public expenditure and public resources and assets.

Member of Parliament for Aoke Langa Langa and Deputy PAC Chairman Mathew Wale said the committee's process in inquiring into public resources and assets is "proper and should not be disputed."

Mr Wale made the clarification following comments from the Deputy Prime Minister and the Finance Minister last week accusing him of turning the hearings into a mini parliament.

The PAC Deputy Chairman's comments during a PAC hearing last week had angered supporters of the MP for West Honiara, Namson Tran, whom he labeled a criminal.

Supporters of Mr Tran had demanded compensation from Mr Wale's family as well as a local newspaper.

The Deputy Chairman's family and property were also subjected to threats and intimidation by supporters of West Honiara MP Namson Tran.

Mr Wale confirmed that supporters of the West Honiara MP had demanded up to SB$20,000 dollars plus traditional money and a live pig.

Mr Wale says that he has since forgiven those who threatened his wife and children, but "the law must take its course and police must investigate the incident."

Mr Wale also says that the media must be allowed to exercise their freedom of expression and to report facts as they see it.