Avoid recurring blunders pointed out in AG’s Report, PM urges Cabinet

PUTRAJAYA: Ministers have been directed to find ways to ensure mistakes and issues highlighted in the Auditor-General’s Report are not repeated, said the Prime Minister.

In his latest directive to his Cabinet, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants them to look for solutions to the problems highlighted in the report.

The Prime Minister said the AG report would usually come with recommendations and suggestions on how to rectify the problems.

“But we will see the same mistakes being repeated over and over again. This has to stop,” he told the media after chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting here yesterday.

He said the ministers’ focus should be on issues related to expenditure, leakages and failure to abide by regulations.

“These matters must be given serious attention by the Cabinet so that the mistakes will not be repeated,” he added.

Anwar said if the mistake warrants further action and a report to be made, then the ministers should order it to be done.

The Prime Minister stated that the ministries should take the issues and weaknesses highlighted in the AG Report seriously.

“Every ministry must make it their responsibility to look at the criticisms, even if the problems were in the past.

“This is so that civil servants are always reminded of their duty and responsibility to maintain their integrity and diligence,” he added.

On another matter, Anwar said civil servants are free to speak up about mistakes committed by ministers, including himself, at post-Cabinet meetings.

“If they are not comfortable doing so, they can meet the ministers and raise the matter with them personally,” he added.

Likewise, ministers should also point out weaknesses in the civil service.

“This is what working as a team is all about. We must be able to give opinions and have our mistakes pointed out. It wouldn’t be of any help if there were violations, but we are afraid to point them out,” he said.

On Monday, Anwar told civil servants to alert him if they are given minutes that violate the law, even if the minutes came from him. He wants to be informed so that no wrongdoings are committed, as he has pledged to run the country transparently.