KUALA LUMPUR: State governments should debate the latest Auditor-General’s Report in their respective state assemblies, which is in accordance with the government’s principle of transparency and accountability, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said that presently, the Auditor-General’s Report hasn’t been debated in state assemblies.
“That is why I want to propose for state governments to follow the footsteps of the Federal Government and give their assemblymen the opportunity to discuss this in their state assemblies.
“This is a noble effort by the government to allow many MPs to be involved and ensure that government funds are spent prudently,” she said said when tabling the Auditor-General’s Report series 1/2025 for debate
in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Feb 27).
Azalina said the government is of the opinion that debates on the Auditor-General’s Report should continue in the Dewan Rakyat.
A total of 19 MPs took part in the debate on the Auditor-General’s Report series 1/2025 in Parliament on Thursday (Feb 27).
According to Azalina, the government has tabled the Auditor-General’s reports in Parliament four times since it came into power.
“This is in line with the government’s move to strengthen the administration of the public sector.
“A transparent and accountable government is the foundation of a nation’s prosperity. With continuous reforms, we move closer to a vision of a trusted and effective public sector,” she added.
Azalina also said the Dewan Rakyat plays an important role in check-and-balance on the Executive.
“This is also in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to transform governance into one that is transparent and accountable.
“This will not only strengthens democracy, but also enhances our global standing and competitiveness.”
On another matter, Azalina said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should look into issues raised by MPs on the Auditor-General’s Report.
“It is important to ensure that PAC continues to function with full integrity and without influence by outsiders who have vested interest.
“Avoid hearsay or unofficial sources or social media,” Azalina told the PAC.
Meanwhile, Azalina said the National Audit Department has gazetted a total of 1,856 entities for audit purposes through the Audit (Account of Other Bodies) (Amendment) Order since Nov 1 last year.
“This is an increase of 100.6%, compared to the 925 entities gazetted in 2022,” added Azalina.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran has said that a total of 286 issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Report are currently under investigation.
Kulasegaran said 138 issues are being probed by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), 116 by an internal investigation committee under the Public Service Department and 32 by the police.
As of Jan 14, Kulasegaran said 311 civil servants have faced disciplinary action, which includes warning, fines, salary suspension and dismissals.
