Sack errant civil servants

Describing the irresponsible parties as criminals, Senator Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman said the audit report details had tarnished the image of the government and country.

KUALA LUMPUR: The members of the Senate continued to voice their views on the issue of financial irregularities revealed in the Auditor General’s Report 2012, calling for stern action and even dismissal of those involved in the misuse of allocations.

Senator Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman stressed that apart from disciplinary action, ministry staff or officers who committed the embezzlement should be charged in court as a deterrent to others.

Describing the irresponsible parties as criminals, he said the issues raised in the audit report had tarnished the image of the government and country.

“Therefore, just like the other senators and the public, I hope that the matter is investigated and followed up with action against those involved,” he said during the debate on the second reading of the Supplementary Supply Bill (2013) 2013.

Abdul Rahim cautioned that if the irregularities were let off without any action, the issue would keep recurring and lead to the annual audit report not being taken seriously.

Meanwhile, Senator Baharudin Abu Bakar said he was puzzled over the embezzlement and mismanagement of government finances and assets which appeared to occur year after year as recorded in the audit report.

“We must put a stop to it. The government’s image is not tarnished by its administration but by a handful of staff who are highlighted in the audit report,” he said.

Bernama