
Auditor-General's report debate in parliament boosts governance reforms
Members of Parliament (MPs) commended the government for tabling the report, allowing elected representatives to scrutinise findings and propose improvements.
Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) stated that the debate reflects the government's commitment to reform under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
'Congratulations to the National Audit Department for a detailed report and allowing parliamentary debate. This reform measure should be repeated,' he said during the session.
Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) added that the debate strengthens checks and balances, aligning with institutional reforms promised by the government.
MPs also provided suggestions on issues raised in the report, covering five programmes, activities, and projects across seven ministries, with an audited cost of RM48.873 billion.
Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) proposed transforming cooking oil subsidies into targeted e-vouchers via the Central Database Hub (PADU) to address weaknesses in the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (COSS).
'This will reduce administrative burdens, increase transparency, and prevent leakages,' he said.
Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) urged stricter enforcement against foreigners purchasing subsidised cooking oil, suggesting MyKad or MyDigital ID verification.
'Embezzlement betrays the people and must be stopped,' he said.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) called for a disciplinary board for GLCs to review acquisitions exceeding RM100 million, following irregularities in FELCRA Berhad's palm oil plantation purchase.
'The Companies Commission and MACC should investigate potential malpractice,' he said.
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) highlighted a RM107.54 million defence procurement breach, stating it undermines financial regulations and public trust.
'Failing to enforce contracts properly results in financial losses and weakens preparedness,' she said. – Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
44 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
13MP: Melaka focuses on becoming a regional, international tourism and halal hub
MELAKA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, has been described as a key catalyst in strengthening Melaka's position regionally and internationally. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the implementation of 13MP would drive Melaka's efforts to advance as a world-class tourism state, a regional halal industry hub, and a state resilient to future challenges. He said 13MP would boost Melaka's position as a premier tourism destination, a regional halal industry centre, and a state better prepared to face climate change challenges and future infrastructure needs. "The establishment of the Malaysian Halal Commission is also expected to strengthen Melaka's position as a more strategic halal hub, and certainly, this initiative will be fully utilised for the well-being of the people of Melaka as a whole. "The Melaka government is also committed to supporting the national aspiration to increase the country's halal export value to RM80 billion and contribute 11 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through the development of the Halal Industrial Park in Melaka," he said in a statement today. During the tabling yesterday, Anwar reportedly said the move to boost the country's halal export value would be supported by the establishment of the halal commission and the development of Halal Industrial Parks, including in Melaka, Perak, and Kelantan. Meanwhile, Ab Rauf also welcomed the federal government's announcement on the development of Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ), which would also focus on Melaka. He said STIZ would act as a catalyst for the creation of new tourism products based on art, culture, heritage, and nature, indirectly making Melaka a more competitive destination on the international stage. "In terms of disaster management, Melaka will benefit from the implementation of the Sungai Baru Flood Mitigation Plan (RTB), which is expected to reduce flood risks and impacts, thereby improving public safety," he said. At the same time, Ab Rauf said the Melaka government had planned development proposals under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of 13MP for 2026, amounting to 258 high-impact projects with a total value of RM7.15 billion. He said the proposed projects would focus on developing modern infrastructure, strengthening the digital economy, and empowering strategic industries to ensure the state's sustainable growth. Ab Rauf also fully supported the Water Sector Transformation Plan 2040 (AIR2040), spearheaded by the federal government. He said the state government would work closely with the federal government to ensure water supply capacity and efficiency are in line with the development of new residential areas and growing industrial demand in Melaka.


Borneo Post
44 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
GRS must lead Sabah's political direction, says Joniston
Joniston KIULU (Aug 1): It is crucial for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to be dominant and control the political narratives in Sabah in any form of pact with national-based parties, said its information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. He said this would be in line with the sentiment and aspirations of the majority of Sabahans who have publicly expressed support for a local-led coalition to spearhead the state's future. 'We must not ignore the voices of the people as the growing sentiment for local-based parties to take the lead is real and must be respected, but in addressing this, we must also act with wisdom and foresight,' he said at a meeting with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) grassroot leaders here. Joniston, who also serves as PBS information chief, stressed that any political decisions made must be guided by Sabah's long-term interests rather than emotions or external pressure. He said that while GRS has worked well with federal partners such as PH, moving forward, any form of cooperation must be anchored on a clear and binding commitment to Sabah's rights. This, he said, is in particular, the long-standing demand for the return of 40 per cent net revenue collected by the federal government from the state. 'If there is to be any continued cooperation, it must come with formal assurances. Sabah's rights must be respected and delivered, not just talked about during elections,' said the Kiulu assemblyman. Joniston also said negotiations on seat allocations must be based on fair discussions that reflect the strength and support of Sabah-based parties. He stressed that while GRS continues to lead the state government in cooperation with PH, any future collaboration must align with the aspirations of the Sabah people and uphold mutual respect. 'We value our cooperation with our partners at the national level, but Sabahans must be in the driver's seat in shaping the future of the state. 'It's about striking the right balance between unity and autonomy. Even now, GRS is leading the State government, working with PH based on shared understanding. 'What we must avoid, however, is making decisions that risk losing the people's trust, such as entertaining alliances with parties that once disrupted the state government's stability,' he said. Reflecting on the PBS political journey, Joniston said past experiences have shaped the party's approach to remain firm in defending Sabah's rights while maintaining constructive relations with the federal government. He noted that although PBS was known for its strong stance in fighting for State rights during its nine years in power from 1985 to 1994, the current political environment calls for a more strategic and united way of working within GRS and in engagements with Putrajaya.


Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Leave pro-Anwar rally to regular citizens, unity govt parties told
Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia will stage a rally at Dataran Merdeka on Sept 27 to express support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. PETALING JAYA : Analysts have urged parties in the unity government not to mobilise their members for an upcoming rally in support of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, saying ordinary Malaysians should be allowed to show their backing for him in an authentic way. Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's Mazlan Ali said this would allow the rally to proceed organically without any political agenda, especially since it was being organised by an NGO. Mazlan Ali. Mazlan said ordinary Malaysians were deterred from taking part in gatherings such as the recent Turun Anwar rally due to a perception that they were politically motivated. 'If politicians organise or get involved, there will be some scepticism and apprehension, and apathy even, to these gatherings among the rakyat. 'But it's different if it's organised by certain independent NGOs and they're stating support for the prime minister based on the principle that he's a leader who has benefited the people,' he told FMT. Awang Azman said political gatherings have lost their traction among Malaysians as they do not revolve around their needs or issues close to their hearts. Unlike in the Reformasi era, when street demonstrations were common, social media has given Malaysians an alternative platform to air their grouses and views, he said. 'Malaysians now prefer digital activism, online petitions and dialogues on social media rather than taking to the streets. Political awareness more often takes place in the form of such 'daily politics'. 'In the case of the Turun Anwar rally, the lack of a clear objective and concrete alternative made it hard to attract people. The same goes for the rally to support the prime minister; if it's purely symbolic without any meaningful content, it won't excite the people,' he said. Gabungan Teksi SeMalaysia is set to stage a rally at Dataran Merdeka on Sept 27 to express support for Anwar, following last Saturday's Turun Anwar gathering at the same venue. Its president, Kamarudin Hussain, said the group believes Anwar has the vision and ability to steer the country towards a more just and prosperous future. Kamarudin, the former Selayang PKR chief, also invited Anwar to attend the rally in person. Mazlan said keeping the pro-Anwar rally free of political involvement would lend the perception that the support for the prime minister was coming from actual Malaysians. 'That means it's not politically-organised but by Malaysians who are politically aware. And groups like this one representing taxi drivers are close to the rakyat. 'When you have such organisations stating support for the prime minister through such a gathering, it's perceived as real support for the prime minister, compared with the Turun Anwar rally, which was mobilised by the opposition.' Police estimated that around 18,000 people attended the Turun Anwar rally, though PAS claimed that more than 200,000 rally-goers were present. Awang Azman Pawi. Awang Azman said the non-involvement of political figures would signal that support for Anwar stems not from party machinery, but from ordinary Malaysians who genuinely back the unity government's policies. He also said the political value of such rallies far outweigh slogans, adding that what the rakyat wants to see was effective policies. Awang Azman said Anwar should not attend the rally in person to avoid politicising the gathering. However, it would be good for him to deliver a message to attendees through a video to express his appreciation. 'He can then stress that he's more focused on his job and resolving the people's issues – from the economy to prices of goods and institutional reforms – instead of basking in the support at a gathering.'