'State agency funded Khir's Paris Disney tour'

Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo and his entourage spent almost RM1 million on a one-week official trip to France and Morocco in 2004.

The expenditure list included a visit to the Paris Disneyland and a four-day transit stopover at Dubai.

This was revealed by an inquiry being conducted by the state's Special Select Committee on Competence, Accountability and Transparency (Selcat) today.

Among the other revelations in the overseas trip which took place from Dec 17 to 24, 2004 were:
Joining the trip were Khir's wife Zaharah Kechik, their three children and a maid.

The official delegation spent a total of RM416,000 for the trip.

A 'reconnaissance team' which went to make arrangements for the trip spent RM366,000.
The four-day stopover in Dubai cost the state an additional RM10,000.

All the expenses were covered by state investment arm Perbadanan Nasional Selangor Berhad (PNSB).

These details were revealed by PNSB chief executive officer Khairiyah Abu Hassan at the inquiry today.

Last week, Khairiyah admitted having a close relationship with Khir's wife Zaharah.

She also added that there was no PNSB committee to scrutinise any "request" for funds or how the money was used.

Khairiyah added all requests were approved by the PNSB board collectively.

The inquiry is being held to investigate the source and legitimacy of the more than RM1 million in sponsorship received by the Wives of Selangor State Assemblymen and MPs' Charity and Welfare Organisation (Balkis) from state-owned and private companies.

Zaharah was Balkis chairperson during Khir's tenure as menteri besar.

The public hearing, the first-ever inquiry conducted by a state legislative assembly in the country, began on March 23.

Malaysiakini
01/04/09