When prices of goods go up, the government incurs the wrath of the people who say politicians are up to no good - not knowing how well to use our money.
Usually, politicians unavoidably take the brunt of the criticism that they are responsible for the ills and tribulations of the country - rightly so as they are policymakers and guardians of people’s money.
In most cases, fingers are pointed at the ministers for their shortcomings and exposing the wrongdoings is a damning verdict on them.
The criticisms are justified. In the past, there have been several instances where money has gone down the drain right under their noses.
And as damage control, the government spends good money chasing after the bad.
The only losers in these exercises are the people, whose taxes could have been better utilised for the common good and a better quality of life.
The scandalous conduct of those entrusted with the affairs of the Bumiputra Malaysia Finance, the Port Klang Free Zone, and the 1MDB projects came into the public eye because of the humongous amounts of money involved - billions of ringgit.
On a smaller scale, there are issues done by the stroke of a pen such as alienating state land, entering into lopsided joint venture agreements and when it involves procurement of goods or services.
Business as usual
Every quarter, the Auditor-General’s Report reveals the many lapses but, in most instances, they were ignored and the perpetrators continue with their wayward interpretation of their duties.
Remember the infamous outburst by Health Ministry deputy secretary-general (finance) Norazman Ayob’s analogy of placing an order for an apple, (but) getting something else in the case of ventilator machines?
In reply to criticism over the procurement last year, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni’s terse reply in Parliament was that the government needs to improve its procurement procedures during times of emergency.
This, he said, is to ensure public funds would not be wasted again as what happened in the procurement of ventilator machines in 2021.
End of story? Has anyone involved been reprimanded? How many times have we heard the same mantra being uttered - improve?
There are scores of other issues raised by the auditor-general which need immediate attention and action.
In almost all instances, these lapses that had been pointed out are forgotten, only to recur year after year. It is business as usual and no one is held responsible.
The report also highlighted alarming figures, indicating losses of almost RM2 billion in 2022 alone from subsidiaries under five federal agencies despite recording the highest investment at RM54.574 billion.
Four federal agencies have liabilities exceeding their assets and this could affect their future performance, according to the Auditor-General’s Report for 2022.
They are the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), PR1MA Corporation Malaysia, Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Angkatan Tentera (Perhebat), and Perbadanan Perwira Harta Malaysia (PPHM).
Have corrective measures been taken?
Low-hanging fruit
Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned department heads in the civil service that they will be denied promotions if corruption and misconduct are uncovered within their departments or units and they fail to report it.
In a stern speech, Anwar said he plans to direct the Public Service Department to implement the new measure holding department heads and unit chiefs accountable for graft happening under their watch.
No one will disagree with him as he has put the heads on notice. They have to accept that they are under scrutiny.
In the meantime, what about plucking the low-hanging fruit for a start?
Hold department heads for the lapses reported in the AG’s Report. Start the ball rolling by looking at the four agencies - LLM, PR1MA, Perhebat, and PPHM - cited in the report, whose financial status is in the red to the tune of billions.
But then, political appointees occupy some of the board seats of these entities. Will there be the gall and the nerve to hold them to account? - Mkini
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who writes on bread-and-butter issues. Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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