Auditor’s annual admonitions

PARKINSON once joked about committee meetings. He said that committees reminded him of his daily visits to the lavatory – “First, the sitting. Then a loud report. Then we drop the matter!” 

The annual reports of the Malaysian Auditor-General – conscientious, commendable and courageous though they are – arouse a similar reaction in many people’s mind. One is left wondering whether the A-G's ritualistic good work impacts on how public authorities handle public funds.