AG gave Sarawak clean bill of health, boasts Taib Mahmud

KUCHING -Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the Auditor General has issued a clean bill of health to Sarawak for its 2011 public accounts.

Taib who tabled the 2013 State Budget at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today, said this is the 10th consecutive year the State has received an unqualified report.

“I wish to emphasise that we must continue to achieve a clean bill of health in future,” said Taib who is also Finance Minister.

He also urged the media to give a more balanced report of the Auditor General’s comments so that it is not misunderstood by the general public.

He said the State Public Accounts is not only subject to the audit and scrutiny of the Auditor General, as its finances are also being monitored by both international and domestic rating agencies.

“Despite the global financial and economic turmoil that have affected credit standings of some rated sovereigns and corporate entities around the world, the state’s credit rating position is maintained at its commendable investment-grade credit ratings of A3 by Moody’s and A- by Standard and Poor's.

“These commendable credit ratings indicate the confidence vested by international rating agencies in the state’s sound economic and financial position,” he said.

He said Sarawak as a rated state is required to maintain and comply with high international standards of financial reporting requirements.

-thesundaily