PAC chair slams long delay in appointing auditor-general

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairperson Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has taken aim at the long delays in appointing the new auditor-general.

She said the delay has spillover effects as crucial reports cannot be presented.

"I want to touch on the auditor-general vacancy which I raised in the Dewan Rakyat last Tuesday because this important position has still not been filled four months after Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid's contract ended last February.

"The main issue is that the auditor-general's report cannot be presented, because only the auditor-general can submit the report to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong allowing it to be presented in the Dewan Rakyat in accordance with Article 107 (1) of the Federal Constitution," Mas Ermieyati said in a statement today.

Earlier this week, the Masjid Tanah MP objected to the motion to debate the audit report because it was under her committee’s jurisdiction and also cited as grounds the fact that the auditor-general's role was vacant.

"Among the reports that could not be presented in the Dewan Rakyat during its second meeting are the Auditor-General's Report for the Financial Year 2022 and the Auditor-General's Report on Federal Agencies for the Year 2021.

"Because of that, it is expected to be brought to the third meeting in October. This matter will also burden the National Audit Department and PAC because many reports need to be researched and investigated," she said.

Picking the right person

Mas Ermieyati urged the government to appoint an auditor-general with an accounting and auditing background to add value to the National Audit Department in carrying out audits professionally.

Masjid Tanah MP Mas Ermieyati Samsudin

"Appointing the former chief secretary of a ministry as the chief auditor must be avoided despite the justification that they know about the intricacies of public administration.

“It is better that the auditor-general has a professional background in finance or auditing.”

Mas Ermieyati claimed that in addition, the National Audit Department has financial deficiencies since the government’s financial allocation is insufficient. - Mkini