Mohd Khir Toyo and Yee Choon Kong: Whom would you prefer to believe?

The above question is almost the same as asking which, theStar Online or Malaysiakini, the real newspaper, would you prefer to believe. Before you make up your mind, hope you would refer to Violation against media freedom, freedom of expression, Malaysia 2007 first. Actually there is a further report on media monitoring prior and during the 12th Malaysian General Election 2008 by CIJ (Center of Independent Journalism) together with Aliran and another civil society which I hope to publish soon. Based on what I myself have read plus the reports from CIJ, I would take Malaysiakini, the real newspaper anytime.

More on Balkis and former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo

Former Balkis president Datin Zahrah Kechik husband is the former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo. According to Mohd Khir Toyo, Balkis had consulted its auditors and legal adviser before making the transfer and there was no “hanky-panky involved.

Source:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/nation/21076243&sec=nation

This was what was reported in Malaysiakini, the real newspaper dated April 28, 2008 at 8:58pm:

Auditor: Balkis never submitted accounts

Yee Choon Kong, a chartered accountant said he was appointed by Balkis at Balkis's annual general meeting held at the Klang Executive Club on June 30, 2007. Yee Choon Kong was reported as having said that his accounting firm had called Balkis treasurer Suraimi Haji Sapuan on a number of occasions and requested Balkis to send in its financial records for last year plus bank statements, official receipt books, payment vouchers, supporting documents, fixed deposit receipts, minutes of meetings, details of membership and subscription list to their office so that they can conduct the annual financial audit for the financial year ending December 31, 2007. They never receive any documents and thus did not do any audit. Yee Choon Kong also have not issued any signed audit report for 2007 nor did he finalize Balkis accounts before its funds were transferred. He also confirmed that neither Zahrah nor any Balkis members or Khir had consulted him on the transfer of the RM9.9 million

Further, according to Yee, before any other auditor could be appointed, under Section 210 of the by-laws on Professional Ethics, Conduct and Practice of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, Yee must be consulted first. Since Yee never said he was consulted, it would be fair to assume that Yee was still the auditor of Balkis when its funds were transferred. Yee Choon Kong also confirmed that neither Zahrah nor any Balkis members or Khir had consulted him on the transfer of the RM9.9 million.

Now being an accountant or auditor is not easy. The profession and appointment carries great responsibilities and any breach can lead to very serious consequences. A politician can however make all kinds of statements and often change them as circumstances changes, frequently justifying the changes with flimsy excuses. There is no professional body to regulate the conduct of a politician. Now who would you believe, Yee Choon Kong (no title, only qualifications plus professional affiliations behind one's name) or Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

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