Govt agencies, GLCs must return misused public funds - Auditor-General
KUALA LUMPUR: All federal and state agencies, statutory bodies and 1,875 government-linked companies (GLCs) flagged in the Auditor-General's Report for public fund leakages must return the misappropriated funds.
Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi stressed that no public department or organisation will be exempt from action if such leakages are detected.
'Through the Auditor-General's Report Follow-up Committee, we have identified several instances of leakages in federal and state financial statements, which will be recovered.
'We also audit statutory bodies and GLCs. If there are any irregularities, such as uncollected or unreceived revenue, follow-up action will be taken,' she said at the launch of the Accounting Fraud Working Group here today.
Also present was Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Wan Suraya further said that collaboration with enforcement agencies via the working group would strengthen the role of the National Audit Department, in line with amendments to the Audit Act 1957 (Act 62) passed last year.
She said the establishment of the Accounting Fraud Working Group would help address emerging issues highlighted in the Auditor-General's Report, several of which are already being jointly pursued.
In her speech at the event, Wan Suraya noted that the working group was established to develop more effective fraud risk control mechanisms, enhance early detection capabilities and improve compliance with accounting standards and related laws.
'The findings in the Auditor-General's Report demand firm and coordinated action. Simultaneously, internal controls must be strengthened, supervisory mechanisms improved and accountability reinforced.
'If not addressed efficiently and effectively, recurring weaknesses will persist. Corrective measures must go beyond procedures to include workplace culture, structured monitoring and the development of human capital within the public sector,' she added.
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