PAC finds actions to resolve issues raised by AG report inefficient, failed to fully remedy fault
Aidel (left) and other members of the PAC as well as those assisting in the meeting, pose for a photo call before the press conference.
KUCHING: Actions taken by several state agencies in resolving issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Report (AG Report) 2016 Series 1 and 2, lacked the concept of value for money and had not fully met the initial targeted outcome.
This was disclosed by Sarawak Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Aidel Lariwoo following a two-day meeting by the committee to discuss issues in the report.
The Sadong Jaya assemblyman told a press conference here yesterday that the PAC had called 25 ministries, departments, agencies and statutory bodies to brief and explain on the various audit issues raised from the 2016 AG Report even though most or all of the issues had been resolved.
“Although most of the issues raised in the audit report have been solved, the actions taken by some of the agencies lack the concept of value for money and have not fully met the initial targeted outcome.
“As such, the PAC feels that for certain agencies, they should look into the revision of either the agencies’ administration, financial or operating procedures,” said Aidel.
Based on the AG Report 2016, among issues in Sarawak was the RM213 million Mukah water supply project.
The report also raised issues on operational management of Sarawak Barrage; the management of Batang Sadong Bridge project; the management of Riverside Majestic Hotel’s new wing project; the management of the state water supply project; and the management of Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) in Sarawak.
Other issues involved Bau Palm Oil Sdn Bhd and Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra); the then Ministry of Industrial Development and Transportation and Land and Survey Department; and the procurement process in the Housing Development Corporation.
Aidel, when asked on these issues, declined to go into details but nonetheless indicated that the meeting had discussed on matters such as procurement process, project management and contractual issues to ensure that the Sarawak government’s money is spent wisely for the benefit of the people, and that there is value-for-money for each ringgit spent.
Members of the PAC include Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Chiew Chiu Sing, Ngemah assemblyman Alexander Vincent, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Kabong assemblyman Mohd Che Kadir and Tellian assemblyman Yussibnosh Balo.
Aidel said the meeting also sought updates of the status of the issues, and the agencies’ future course of action to ensure there is no recurrence of similar issues.
He stressed that the PAC is serious in executing its task and functions in the state’s parliamentary system of democracy as a check-and-balance to the executives and government machineries.
“This is to make sure that the public monies are properly spent for the benefit of the people as a whole.
“The PAC looks into whether public monies are used efficiently, effectively and economically, that elements of extravagance and waste are minimised or better still, completely eliminated,” he added.
According to Aidel, the recommendations of the PAC once completed will be presented at the next State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting scheduled at end of this year.
“It will be laid on the table in the DUN. Not to be debated, not as a bill, but it is for every member of the DUN to put up suggestions or to review or to make some recommendations to the Dewan (august House).”
He also thanked the ministries, departments, agencies and statutory bodies involved for cooperating with the PAC, and expressed appreciation to DUN Secretary Pele Peter Tinggom and his team for the smooth running of the two-day proceedings.BY SAMUEL AUBREY ON
https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/09/20/too-much-spent-for-too-little-results/
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