Current, capital expenses reviewed in audit report

In addition to that, SAI also reviewed the current expenditure and the capital expenditure to ensure that they were spent in accordance with the applicable financial laws and regulations and to achieve the appropriate returns thereof.

SAI also devoted its attention to the audit of development expenditure because of its allocation, as well as to the administrative audit on the performance of governmental bodies subject to its audit to ensure they carry out their responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

On the other hand, the second section addressed the companies, public bodies and institutions and pension funds that are subject to SAI’s audit in accordance with the International Accounting Standards and the instructions issued by the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). Needless to say, the audit highlighted some areas that need improvement.

The third section, however, addressed promoting integrity and combating corruption, as the Sultanate has acceded the UN Convention against Corruption by Royal Decree No. 64/2013 and has ratified the Arab Convention against Corruption by Royal Decree No. 28/2014. SAI was assigned the task of following-up the implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention against Corruption and it has also assumed the duties of anti-corruption commissions.

SAI recently presented the Sultanate’s implementation of the second session of chapters two (Preventive Measures) and five (Asset Recovery) of the Convention. Moreover, SAI prepared the draft National Integrity and AntiCorruption Strategy and prepared a draft Code of Conduct for public officials.

SAI was also keen to support the efforts exerted to achieve the objectives of the ninth development plan (2016-2020) by rationalising public expenditure, raising non-oil revenues and enhancing the quality of services provided to the beneficiaries.

Finally, the constructive cooperation between SAI and the Sultanate’s institutions has established the concept of responsibility in terms of preserving public money and protecting national gains, which positively affected the results of the implementation of the audit plan of 2017.