Government may consider KWAP, EPF inquiry if evidence shows need
Azalina says any proposal for a royal commission would require Cabinet approval and royal consent before its scope and membership are finalised.
Evidence demonstrating the need for an independent public inquiry could prompt the government to consider a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) involving Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the decision would depend on concrete information or findings. The government would assess how serious the matter is, the public interest involved and the evidence available.
Her written Dewan Rakyat response addressed a question by Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (Perikatan Nasional-Arau). He asked about the government's willingness to consider an RCI examining governance, investment management or questionable financial decisions involving the funds.
Azalina said scrutiny of public fund management, including governance and investment decisions, should be grounded in evidence and conducted through the appropriate oversight mechanisms.
She also outlined the approval process: the lead ministry submits a memorandum for Cabinet consideration. If Cabinet approves the proposal, the prime minister then seeks the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent.
Following royal consent, the commission's terms of reference would be defined, its members selected and its duration set. These arrangements would be gazetted before the RCI starts work.
