PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin told Loke it would not be the first time that the committee had initiated proceedings and summoned ministry officials to explain their decisions before contracts were formalised.

She said PAC had initiated a probe into the multi-lane free flow toll system in February although no deal had been signed yet.

“PAC is of the view that the procurement of the trains needs to be explained in more detail so that the rakyat know why the transport ministry has chosen this 30-year leasing model.

“I would also like to explain that when PAC holds proceedings on a certain matter, it does not necessarily mean that there are issues of leakage, wastage or misappropriation. Rather, it is to study procurement proposals or government projects,” she said in a statement.

The Bersatu MP maintained that this was PAC’s role as a check and balance on the government, especially given past impressions that the committee was slow to probe issues.

Yesterday, Loke dismissed the need for PAC to probe the train leasing agreement, saying the contract was still in the conceptual phase.

The minister said “there is nothing for them to investigate”.

In August, Loke said Malaysia would enter into the RM10.7 billion leasing agreement with China to acquire an additional 62 passenger trains for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd.