PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO SUMMON TWO MINISTRIES
Panel seeks to improve performance of Youth and Sports, Rural and Regional Development ministries
THE Youth and Sports Ministry will be among the first to be called up by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to clarify its expenditure on the construction of a sporting venue.
PAC chairman Datuk Hasan Arifin said other ministries and agencies would be summoned in due time to explain issues highlighted in the Auditor General’s 2016 Report Series 2.
“We will call up several ministries and government agencies to discuss ways to improve their performance.
“We are not looking for faults or weaknesses. This is more of a discussion to find ways to improve performance,” he told a press conference at the Parliament building here yesterday.
He did not name the sports venue or event.
The report, which was released yesterday, said two out of the nine futsal court projects by the Youth and Sports Ministry were in rural areas and not accessible to the public.
“Only 45.2 per cent, or RM114.87 million, of the total financial allocation was spent, as several projects have not been completed,” it said, adding that some projects did not adhere to specifications.
It said some contractors were paid a total of RM31,040 despite failing to complete the work, and that some contractors made false claims amounting to RM22,250.
It said the completion of work orders for two futsal courts worth RM337,575 were signed before they were completed.
However, despite the weaknesses, the report found that the RM253.89 million allocated for the projects was well spent.
It said the ministry should recognise weaknesses at the planning stage and review them.
“The ministry should ensure work is monitored by the responsible officer according to guidelines. Officers who are careless should be charged.
“An internal investigation committee should be established to discuss and address the weaknesses, especially on improper payment.”
PAC will also summon the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Bintulu Port Authority and Malaysian Venture Capital Management Bhd, Hasan said.
He said based on the report, he was satisfied with the overall performance of government agencies.
“A total of 126 agencies were audited without reprimand, 12 were given advice, four were reprimanded and one received an objection.”
Present was Auditor General Tan Sri Dr Madinah Mohamad.
She said the AG’s Office continuously worked with enforcement agencies, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, to take action.
“When the report is prepared, federal auditors do not wait for PAC to take action.
“We have asked for action to be taken against certain government agencies. This is more effective.”