‘Treasury officials barred from accessing reports’

PUTRAJAYA: A shocking disclosure has been made by Treasury officials that they have been barred from accessing certain accounts and reports.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said he was briefed on this by Treasury deputy secretary-general (policy) Datuk Siti Zauyah Mohd Desa and separately by Auditor General Tan Sri Madinah Mohamad and her team.

“Both of them briefed me on the status of the nation’s finances, and the shocking revelation that they were not able to access certain accounts and reports.

“There were also complaints that certain ‘red’ files were only accessible to certain parties, which impeded officials and auditors from carrying out their responsibilities with integrity,” he said after meetings with Finance Ministry officials here yesterday.

“A thorough investigation is ongoing to uncover the financial information and data.

“I have directed that all accounts must be accessible to both the Treasury and auditor general in the interest of competency, accountability and transparency.

“Both the Treasury and auditor general will continue to find these files to give the Federal Government a more accurate picture of our financial position.”

Despite the challenges, Lim said, he was confident the ministry could overcome them and restore the country’s financial health.

“The fundamentals of the economy remain strong. Once we clean up the Federal Government finances, we will be able to further strengthen public and investors’ confidence in Malaysia.”

On who would replace former Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, Lim said he would consult the prime minister before making an announcement.

Currently, the three most senior civil staff in the ministry are Siti Zauyah, Treasury deputy secretary-general (management) Datuk Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir and Treasury deputy secretarygeneral (investment) Datuk Seri Mohd Isa Hussain.