reaksi terhadap laporan ketua audit negara 2008

Transcription

REAKSI TERHADAP
LAPORAN KETUA
AUDIT NEGARA 2008
Jabatan Audit Negara
LaporanMedia
MediaBerkaitan
BerkaitanLKAN
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2008
Liputan
19 October 2009 (Monday)
Auditor General Wants Independent Reviews For RM100m
Projects
Ambrin Buang
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19, 2009) : Auditor General (A-G) Tan Sri Ambrin Buang
said an independent review panel should be set up to study company proposals
for procurements worth more than RM100million. He made the recommendation
in the 2008 A-G’s Report on the activities of ministries or departments and
management of federal government companies. “The panel’s role is to give
advice or second opinion to government on design, costing and materials used
before implementing certain projects which are complex and high cost. “It would
not only reduce the time taken by agencies or departments to do evaluations
but also enable the government to get value for money,” he said in the report
released to MPs.
He said for this purpose, the Finance Ministry, Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister’s
Department and Works Department must be jointly responsible to identify projects which needed
independent reviews while EPU be made responsible to identify panel members and arrange
their appointments. Ambrin said based on the audit done, several weaknesses were found in
the implementation of projects or activities resulting from lack of monitoring or supervision by the
responsible authorities. “There were also other factors like lack of technical experts and full reliance
on the consultant or contractor, no coordination between the agencies involved and internal problems
faced by contractors. “These weaknesses resulted in projects not completed on time, less satisfactory
work quality, increase in project costs, government not getting value for money from its expenses and
failure to meet project objectives,” he added.
Apart from the panel, Ambrin also recommended for a market price analysis to be conducted to ensure
the government gets reasonable price for certain procurements as instructed in a circular, order and
directive letter issued by the Treasury in 2007 and 2008. In addition, he said, price comparison must
also be done with procurements of goods with the same specifications by other departments in order
to get an estimated price. He also recommended for government projects implemented by “design
and build” to be reviewed since such projects involved higher costs compared with conventional
projects. “It was proposed that only projects that are complex and in need of certain expertise be
allowed to use the ‘design and build’ concept and the Finance Ministry should issue a guideline on
the implementation of projects through ‘design and build’. “Also, to protect the governmen’’s interest,
the government must appoint consultants for projects done by ‘design and build’,” he added.
To ensure projects are completed on time and the government gets value for money, Ambrin
recommended that a detailed study be conducted on government projects before they were
approved for implementation. “Agencies need to submit complete information like project site status
quo, project summary, project ceiling, annual budget and project implementation schedule to the
Treasury’s technical department,” he said.
He also recommended feasibility studies be done covering technical analysis, financial, economic
and social analysis and environmental impact before a project worth more than RM100 million was
approved for implementation. Also, to ensure smooth progress of projects, he suggested integrated
planning between agencies involved at the early stage of project implementation, especially for the
big ones. “It is recommended that companies wishing to join a government procurement should
submit information on its paid-up capital and financial status for the last three years and a list of
government and private contracts they were involved in now and in future. “This is to curb problems
in terms of failure to implement government projects or activities due to incompetency of contractors,
be it financially or expertise-wise,” he added.
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20 October 2009 (Tuesday)
Auditor General Finds Irregularities In Pempena’s Ventures
PETALING JAYA (Oct 20, 2009) : Pempena Sdn Bhd, the controversy-stricken subsidiary of Tourism
Malaysia, has filed nine reports with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on irregularities in
investments and ventures that it had had undertaken with various companies. Similar reports were
also filed with the Police Commercial Crimes Division, and in some cases with the Companies
Commission of Malaysia. All investigations by the police and MACC are ongoing. This was revealed
in the Auditor-General’s 2008 Report released on Monday, which carried responses from Pempena to
audit findings on irregularities that had been uncovered. The MACC and police reports were lodged
in 2008 and this year.
The questionable ventures were those which Pempena carried out with Sky Vans Sdn Bhd (SVSB),
Dalamasa Sdn Bhd, Malaysian Restaurant Limited London-Awana Chelsea, Malaysian Restaurant
Beijing Limited-Awana Beijing, Malaysian Restaurant Hyderabad Limited-Awana Hyderabad, Awana
Dubai, D’Malaysian Restaurant (Australia) Pty Limited, Sri Kebaya Restaurant (M) Sdn Bhd in Doha,
Qatar and Airnett Catering Services Sdn Bhd.
The audit findings were:
> SVSB, which lost RM1.04 million in the financial year ending Dec 31 2007, now operates a fleet of 10
vans, instead of the proposed 20. Pempena is now making efforts to recover its RM1.8 million upfront
payment made to SVSB, which it admits will be difficult because the payment was made without an
agreement.
> Pempena’s investment in Dalamasa to run Pempena Executive Taxi Service Sdn Bhd (PETS) has
caused it to lose RM13.36 million. On top of that, Kah Bintang Sdn Bhd is claiming RM17.84 million
from Pempena.
Pempema terminated its taxi management contract with Dalamasa on Nov 26, last year. Dalamasa,
which was seeking RM1.5 million in compensation from PETS for liabilities and loss of income, has
since returned six Mercedes Benz to PETS but reported one missing.
> Pempena did not carry out independent audit assessment before investing in Malaysian Restaurant
Limited London-Awana Chelsea, a restaurant promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United Kingdom. It
has not received any returns on its RM3.73 million investment in the restaurant venture.
> On the Malaysian Restaurant Beijing Limited-Awana Beijing deal, the share registration of the
restaurant under the entity of Little Penang Beijing Limited was not done rightfully. No agreement was
signed between Pempena and Low Chin Meng to protect Pempena’s interest in the venture. Low is an
entrepreneur-cum-restaurateur who joined Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysian cuisine abroad
via the swanky Awana Chelsea Restaurant as well as other retaurants in India and China.
> On the Malaysian Restaurant Hyderabad Limited-Awana Hyderabad deal, the 45% shareholding
value in Little Penang Hyderabad Limited valued at RM1.6 million was not fairly priced.
> On Awana Dubai, the AG said Pempena should have claimed back the advance fee of RM888,000
from LCL Interiors, as the advance given by Low to Awana Beijing and Hyderabad did not get
Pempena board approval and could not be verified.
> Pempena’s investment in D’Malaysia Restaurant in Australia was carried out without due diligence.
Pempena did not sign any agreement with the company before giving an advance of RM52,525. The
restaurant is loss making.
> On the Sri Kebaya Restaurant venture in Doha, Qatar, Pempena has yet to recollect its advance
payment of RM570,271 from its proprietor Sunyta Ali and the restaurant has suffered losses of
RM316,785 in the first seven months of operation.
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> On Airnett Catering Services Sdn Bhd, audit checks revealed that a RM500,000 advance payment
did not comply with Section 123 of the Companies Act 1965. The payment was made without Pempena
board approval.
20 Oktober 2009 (Selasa)
SPRM Teliti Dua Laporan Ketua Audit Negara
KUALA LUMPUR 20 Okt. - Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) sedang meneliti dua
laporan Ketua Audit Negara yang diedarkan di Dewan Rakyat semalam, sekiranya wujud unsur-unsur
rasuah atau penyelewengan. Laporan tersebut berkaitan Projek Landasan Berkembar Elektrik Antara
Rawang dan Ipoh serta pembekalan alatan kepada badan berkanun Persekutuan pada harga ‘tidak
masuk akal’.
Pengarah Siasatan SPRM, Datuk Mohd. Shukri Abdull berkata, pihaknya akan membuka kertas
siasatan sekiranya mempunyai asas berbuat demikian. ‘’Jika ada bukti, kita akan buka kertas siasatan,
buat masa ini kita tidak boleh mendedahkannya,’’ katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini
hari ini
Semalam, laporan Ketua Audit Negara mendedahkan kerajaan mungkin terpaksa menanggung
sebahagian besar daripada kerugian berjumlah RM1.14 bilion dalam Projek Landasan Berkembar
Elektrik Antara Rawang dan Ipoh. Laporan itu mendapati wujud beberapa kelemahan pihak kontraktor
seperti kelewatan, perolehan peralatan dan tren melebihi keperluan atau tidak diselaras dengan
pembangunan struktur.
Dalam laporan lain, Ketua Audit Negara turut mengesan tindakan pembekalan alatan kepada badan
berkanun Persekutuan pada harga yang ‘tidak masuk akal’ bagi tahun 2008. Ditanya berhubung kes
membabitkan isteri Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai yang didakwa menerima sebuah
kereta pada ulang tahun hari lahirnya Januari lalu, Shukri enggan mengulas lanjut. Beliau meminta
semua pihak bersabar dan memberi masa kepada SPRM untuk menjalankan siasatan.
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Two Full Tanks A Minute Apart: A-G’s Report
KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 20, 2009) : At 12.14pm on Dec 14 last year, a government-owned Proton
Perdana filled up fuel worth RM113 at a petrol kiosk in Raub, Pahang, and a minute later the same
vehicle filled up for RM112 at the same kiosk, according to the Auditor-General’s Report of 2008. The
same vehicle filled up at the same kiosk at 6.35pm and 6.36pm on Dec 19, for a total of RM225, the
report says, adding that the same thing was repeated on Dec 23, 24, 26 and 31, for a total fuel cost
of RM1,349.95.
The report cites the case as abuse of the indent card for procurement of fuel for government vehicles,
and says an audit check revealed 24 cases of filling up of fuel in a period of less than five minutes
involving five vehicles of the Pahang state secretariat. The report says no action was taken against the
authorities in the matter and, as a consequence, the state secretariat had to bear the high consumption
cost of fuel.
It says the state secretariat informed that the matter would be resolved with the cooperation of the
Pahang branch of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry by inspecting the system of fuel
procurement applied by suppliers. The audit department also found the maintenance cost of four
Proton Perdana V6 Executive of the state secretariat to be excessive compared to the procurement
cost of the vehicles.
For example, one of the vehicles, bought for RM117,062, had run up a maintenance cost of RM171,888
between 2005 and 2008 while another had a bill for RM192,743 between 2004 and 2008, the report
says. It says the feedback from the state secretariat was that the vehicles were used by state executive
councillors and the maintenance cost was high due to faulty gear box and accidents.
The report says the maintenance cost of government vehicles in Perak was high because they were
not sent to specified service centres, with a sample payment voucher showing the maintenance
cost between 2004 and 2008 of RM262,256 for a Proton Perdana at a service centre compared
to only RM15,197 at EON Service Sdn Bhd. It says the state secretariat cited the need for speedy
maintenance of the vehicles used by the state executive councillors.
The report cites abuse in the purchase of fuel as well as unreasonably frequent replacement of tyres
of government vehicles in Penang, adding that the replacement of tyres in three to 34 months and
for use between 1,700km and 21,900km for three vehicles was questionable. Following this, the state
secretariat requires replacement of tyres to have the approval of the principal assistant secretary
(finance), it says. – Bernama.
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Guan Eng Wants Auditor General
To Visit Penang
GEORGE TOWN (Oct 20, 2009)
: The Penang government wants
the auditor-general to visit
Penang and discuss issues on
how to improve the performance
of government officials.
Chief
Minister Lim Guan Eng said they
will also act on any issues raised
Lim Guan Eng
by the auditor-general in the
2008 report. “We will identify any
wastage of funds and the state financial officer will
come out with explanations if needed.” When asked
about the unreasonable frequent replacement of tyres
of three government vehicles in Penang which was
raised in the report, Lim said he will ask the state
financial officer to investigate and give a full report.
“Strict action will be taken if there is no justifiable
reason for that expenditure,” he said.
Lim was speaking in a press conference after
announcing the appointment of Ooi Geok Ling as
the managing director of Penang Global Tourism Sdn
Bhd. He said the appointment of Ooi, a Penangite and
former director of an infrastructure company, will see
her leading the tourism team in achieving the state
government’s target of attracting 10 million tourists by
2014.
21 October 2009 (Wednesday)
Lack Of Proper Mechanism To
Handle Cash In 98 Govt Offices
PETALING JAYA (Oct 21, 2009) : The random spot
checks conducted by auditors from the AuditorGeneral’s (A-G) office at 98 government offices
revealed lack of proper mechanisms to handle cash
and safe deposit boxes. The A-G’s audit report released
in Parliament on Monday also found that collection
money was not stored in proper places and the
issuance of receipts were often late. The checks were
carried out randomly at offices of various government
departments and agencies.
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The report included findings from 18 district
education departments, 10 hospitals, 10
health departments, seven district police
headquarters, six fire departments, six
public works departments, five Rakan Muda
complexes, five politechnic schools, four
domestic trade and consumer affairs offices,
three customs department, three insolvency
departments and three quarantine centres.
The audit findings showed there were many
weakness in the current system. “Many staff
in the respective offices lacked proper skills in
handling money and their job scope was not
clearly defined,” read the report.
Revenue collection forms were also not properly
filled up and the collection is often not stored in
a safe place. Two invalid cheques amounting to
RM13,972 were not recorded and 91 cheques
amounting to RM171,474 were not banked
in at the time of the audit check. The A-G’s
report urged head of departments to rectify
the weaknesses in their workplace. On another
note, the A-G’s audit also found that a Mercedes
Benz E280 were among the items not disposed
of properly by Malaysian envoys overseas.
The Mercedes was meant to be disposed of by
the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad,
Pakistan after a tender, but the car was still
parked at the high commissioner’s house.
Auditors also found two units of refrigerators
undisposed of at the Malaysian High
Commission building in New Delhi, India while
at the Malaysian Embassy in Muscat, Oman, a
photocopier, an electronic two printers and a
refrigerator were among the items not disposed
of.
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22 Oktober 2009 (Khamis)
Penyediaan Penyata Kewangan Bertambah Baik
KUALA LUMPUR: Jabatan Audit Negara mendapati keseluruhan penyediaan penyata kewangan bagi
Kerajaan Persekutuan, negeri dan Badan Berkanun Persekutuan sepanjang 2008 adalah bertambah
baik. Ketua Audit Negara, Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, berkata bagaimanapun bagi penyata kewangan
badan berkanun negeri dan pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) masih terlalu awal untuk memberikan
sebarang pandangan mengenainya kerana tidak semua penyata kewangan diserahkan untuk
pengauditan. “Didapati berlaku kelewatan dalam menyerahkan penyata kewangan oleh beberapa
badan berkanun negeri dan PBT pada 2007 dan 2008 untuk pengauditan di beberapa negeri.
“Antara faktor yang menyebabkan kelewatan penyerahan penyata kewangan ialah rekod perakaunan
tidak diseleng-garakan dengan sempurna, manakala bagi akaun PBT, kelewatan kerana Akta
Kerajaan Tempatan 1976 (Akta 171) tidak menetapkan secara khusus tempoh penyerahan penyata
kewangan untuk pengauditan,” katanya dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan menerusi laman web
jabatan berkenaan, semalam.
Selain itu, Ambrin berkata, agensi kerajaan digesa mengambil iktibar daripada kelemahan dalam
perancangan, pelaksanaan dan pemantauan terhadap projek dan aktiviti yang diketengahkan dalam
laporan audit prestasi selaras prinsip akauntabiliti serta integriti dalam perkhidmatan awam.
Beliau berkata, pengauditan dilaksanakan merangkumi bidang seperti pembinaan, penyenggaraan,
penguatkuasaan undang-undang, perolehan, pengurusan aset, pengurusan cukai, program
peningkatan sosioekonomi, infrastruktur, alam sekitar, teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi serta
pengurusan syarikat. “Penilaian ini berdasarkan 160 pengauditan prestasi yang dilaksanakan pada
peringkat Persekutuan dan negeri sepanjang 2008 bagi menilai sejauh mana dana awam dibelanjakan
dengan berhemat tanpa pemborosan dan pembaziran,” katanya.
Ambrin berkata, setiap tahun jabatan itu menjalankan pengauditan prestasi bertujuan menilai sejauh
mana pelbagai aktiviti dan projek kerajaan dirancang, dilaksanakan dan dipantau dengan cekap dan
berkesan serta sejauh mana objektif asal aktiviti dan projek ini tercapai.
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Thursday October 22, 2009
Anti-graft Body Studying Report
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is studying the Auditor-General’s Report 2008 to see if
there are elements of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power in the management of public funds.
In a statement yesterday, the commission said it would proceed with the necessary action should it
find any irregularity.
The Auditor-General’s Report, tabled in Parliament on Monday, found numerous weaknesses including
delays, irregularities in procurement process and supply of equipment at illogically high prices. —
Bernama
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Sunday October 25, 2009
Focus - Where’s The Action?
By Hariati Azizan, Joseph Loh And Rashvinjeet S. Bedi
Last week, the Auditor-General’s Report made headlines
again as it exposed more poor administration and
mismanagement of funds. Will sterner action be taken
against the offenders this time?
A WHOPPING RM42,320 for an outdated-model laptop.
A swivel chair price-tagged between RM810 and
RM1,050. Yes, it is that time of the year again where
we get to gasp in shock at some of the outrageous
procurements and financial negligence of our hapless
civil service. The Auditor-General’s (AG) Report for 2008
was tabled in Parliament last Monday, and as in recent
years, it highlighted the mismanagement of public funds
by those entrusted to balance the country’s books.
Familiar tune: Ambrin with the 2007 report. Despite the
powerful backlash f rom detractors of the Government
that followed the reports of mismanagement of
funds then, the weak nesses remain. – RAJA FAISAL
HISHAN/The Star.
The gross expenditures mentioned above were made
by Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara Balik Pulau, Penang,
which also spent RM2.08mil buying computer software
it allegedly didn’t need. It seems like only yesterday that another government training college, the
National Youth Skills Institute or IKBN (under the administration of the Youth and Sports Ministry), was
rapped for spending RM8.39mil above the market price for certain equipment – including a RM224
screwdriver set (of four) which had a RM40 market price; a RM5,700 car jack that would normally
cost a mere RM50; and RM8,254 digital cameras that were retailing at RM2,990. And what about
the RM418,145 of welfare aid paid out to 184 undocumented –possibly non-existent – people, out
of which 26 were confirmed dead? The 2006 report also showed that some other “dead” poor were
receiving welfare aid.
The improprieties revealed by Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang and the National Audit
Department (NAD) this year again lay bare the weaknesses in the public system, which allow for
incompetence and transgression to occur, if not flourish. Worse, the report highlighted that federal
ministries and departments generally have not shown much progress in managing their finances last
year despite the measures taken to correct weaknesses in the system. In fact, the report stated, many
departments had spent in excess of their budgets.
Yet, despite the widespread media coverage, heated discussions among the public as well as the
powerful backlash from detractors of the Government that followed the reports of mismanagement
of funds in the past years, the weaknesses remain. Why do cases of such misappropriation of public
funds, ill-advised government investments, and delays in major government projects still persist? And
the crucial question that begs to be answered: “Will there be any action taken on the perpetrators of
the alleged corrupt practices as documented in the report?”
Token action
Ambrin has repeatedly said the NAD has no jurisdiction to penalise offenders highlighted in the
report. “The NAD has no power to prosecute. The power to impose penalty for criminal acts lies with
the court, whereas the power to impose surcharge for delinquent officers is with the Finance Ministry.
Any disciplinary action will then be the responsibility of the heads of department,” he told reporters
last year. Where there are instances of corruption which can be proven in court, the court will impose
appropriate penalties, he reiterated, explaining that corruption has to be proven according to the law,
and it has to be substantiated with evidence and witnesses. As such, investigation can only be done
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by authorities such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or the police.
MACC has assured that it would proceed with the necessary action should it find any irregularity in
the AG’s report 2008, which it is studying to unearth elements of corruption, misconduct and abuse
of power in the management of public funds. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has also
been quick to say that action will be taken against those found guilty of misusing government funds.
Expressing his disappointment with the misconduct and abuse in the public sector, he assured that
there would naturally be “punitive measures” for those identified. In April last year, Najib, who was
then DPM, had also vowed to correct the deficiencies in the public system as exposed by the 2006
AG’s report. True to his word, he instituted key performance indicators (KPIs) and key result areas
(KRAs) to measure the performance of the civil service, as part of the system of good governance.
Similarly, in 2007, after yet another edition of the A-G’s report was tabled, Chief Secretary to the
Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan announced that investigations will be conducted on
government officers and staff implicated of corruption and mismanagement of public funds by the
report. He assured that they would either be charged in court or face disciplinary action, and added
that the Government would make public the “punishment” taken against them. Sidek then proclaimed
that the Public Service Department would also come out with a “demotion and disciplined” list every
quarter so that the people would know action had been taken. While some of the measures promised
have been implemented – the spate of arrests of those involved were reported – the effectiveness
of the “cleanup” measures is yet to be seen. To date, fewer than 20 people have reportedly been
arrested for the abuses and misconduct highlighted by the 2006 AG report.
The familiar tune emitting from the recent report further indicates that the crux of the problem has
likely not been addressed. Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim, former president of Transparency International
Malaysia (TI-M), doubts if any action will be taken against the perpetrators. “Based on past records, I
doubt that anything is going to happen. And next year there will be a repeat of the same thing.
Those involved have never been hauled up or investigated. This happens because there is no political
will,” says Tunku Aziz who is also the former special advisor to the United Nations (UN) Secretary
General on the establishment of the ethics office. He stresses that many of the cases highlighted
by the AG’s report are tantamount to criminal offences as they involve cheating and breach of trust.
“Over the years, nothing has been done and why should it be any different now. The auditor-general
has highlighted some very serious examples of poor governance, which should not be tolerated,” he
laments, adding that in most countries, the AG’s reports are taken very seriously. “The report here is
not even discussed in parliament and given the attention it deserves,” he says.
Former audit officer Gursharan Singh concurs. “The lack of action reflects badly on the different
parties involved, from the Executive (the Government) to the enforcement agencies and judiciary.
Some might think that they are colluding with each other,” says the pensioner who worked with the
NAD for over 30 years. TI-M secretary-general Dr Loi Kheng Min agrees that it is important for the
authorities to demonstrate that they are serious in addressing the issue. “They need to show that it is
not just lip service. Although we already have the necessary agencies such as the MACC, the priority
is not there and many are not bold enough to go all the way with the enforcement,” he says, stressing
that it is crucial for the Government to enhance the effectiveness of the regulating agencies.
Dr Loi proposes that a compliance committee be set up to follow up the misconduct and abuse cases
reported by the AG. “The committee can focus on reviewing the report and recommend appropriate
action to be taken.” Public Accounts Committee (PAC) vice-chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw, however,
points out that the PAC is a body which can scrutinise the report and recommend for appropriate
action. “In fact, we are meeting the AG and his team on Wednesday for a full briefing on the report
and we will then discuss its content and deliberate on possible action,” he says.
Although disappointed that the 2008 AG’s report has revealed more mismanagement of public funds,
Dr Tan is nevertheless confident that the system in place is adequate to take the errant individuals to
justice. Still, he stresses, the modus operandi of the public administration offices needs to be reviewed.
Dr Loi agrees, saying: “We need to review existing procurement guidelines. Are they outdated? We
also need to be more open and transparent in our tender system. This may help reduce the abuse of
public finances.”
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Gursharan Singh echoes the need for a more transparent open tender system. “In Malaysia, contracts
are substantially awarded on a consideration basis. This usually translates into low quality, bad
planning, high cost and poor maintenance,” he says, adding that the Malaysian tender system used
to be competitive but deteriorated after a change of administration policy in 1982. Tunku Aziz strongly
believes that the Government must do something to show that they do not tolerate the mismanagement
that is happening – or risk losing public confidence. “Unless they are seen to be serious, people will
lose confidence in them. I am also talking about the Government agencies. The bad leadership in the
various agencies and departments have allowed this situation to develop,” he says.
“Otherwise there is no point in having an auditor-general’s office. It should be closed down.” Citing
the example of the Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara in Penang, Tunku Aziz says the institution should
be closed down for financial mismanagement, “These are public funds and someone should be held
responsible,” he says.
Mohd Nazree Mohd Yunus, chairman for the Civil Movement Against Corruption (Gerak), believes the
AG himself should lodge reports with the MACC in cases where there were mismanagement of funds
and power. “He has the authority to do so because he was involved in the report,” says Nazree.
He says that Gerak would be willing to make the reports if they were given the relevant records
and documents from the Auditor-General’s office. Nazree also suggests that government servants
themselves lodge the reports. “It would be a new culture and would show that the officers have
integrity,” he says.
25 October 2009 (Sunday)
It’s All About Getting The Best Deal
Since Monday, we have been exposed to daily revelations by the Auditor-General’s Department of
financial mismanagement and performance bungles. ANIZA DAMIS speaks to Auditor-General Tan
Sri Ambrin Buang on the audit, and what might drive some people to pay more than RM42,000 for a
laptop. WHEN the market price is RM1,300 for a pole platform, but one government industrial training
institute buys six for RM30,510 each, who wouldn’t want to go into the pole platform business? And
who pays RM480 for a 1GB thumbdrive? Another government industrial training institute bought five
of those. These, and many more such irregularities is what the Auditor-General’s Department keeps
unearthing, year-in-year-out. But, said Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang, it’s not all bad news.
The truth is, the auditor-general’s annual report is a reality-check for the government on whether
plans and budgets laid out the previous year have been implemented properly. And, in 2008, there
was an improvement from 2007. For, last year, four ministries achieved a four-star “Excellent” rating
in the Accountability Index (AI) for financial management. While for 2007, only the Prime Minister’s
Department achieved this, for 2008, it was not only the PM’s Department, but also the International
Trade and Industry Ministry, the Housing and Local Government Ministry, and the Women, Family and
Community Development Ministry. Most government entities get “Good”, some get “Satisfactory”, but
very few get “Excellent”, Ambrin told the New Sunday Times.
“The audit is to encourage controlling officers in each entity to improve. And those who have taken
action do improve. The ministries that obtained the four-star rating are proof that the outcome of their
efforts will be shown in the AI.” Exposes like the pole platform pricing and that of laptops bought by
Mara for more than RM42,000 each, are actually uncovered when the auditors do a performance
audit. And this is where they find projects delayed, cost over-runs, and quality problems. “If a project
is of low quality, why do you accept and pay for the project? And how are these projects being
implemented?
Normally, there are bodies appointed to monitor the work; so, if they don’t do their work well, then
you have all these things happening. “Do the people involved have the right mindset and attitude
needed to do a good job? Often, it’s a result of incompetence, lack of diligence, or a poor attitude.”
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And although it seems as if the auditor-general’s job is about finding fault, Ambrin said what he and
his auditors hoped to achieve with the report is that the departments and agencies would learn from
the lessons of the past and do a better job in future. With regard to procurement, for instance, there
were already procedures and guidelines prepared and given by the government. So, it’s only a matter
of whether or not people want to comply with these guidelines. “To achieve this, you need people who
are competent, diligent, and of integrity to do the job.”
Ambrin said, sometimes, the reason an item is procured at such an exorbitant cost is because the
people in charge of procurement misinterpret the spirit of the treasury’s approval ceiling. “Let’s say
the treasury says the ceiling is RM200 million. So, to them (those doing the procuring), so long as you
do not exceed RM200 million, it’s okay -regardless of whether the price is exorbitant or not.
“Those people in charge of procurement must follow procedures. If the treasury says that you must
conduct a market survey, and you know that something costs a certain amount, then you shouldn’t
allow the payment to be too exorbitant. “The treasury requires that you negotiate down to the lowest
price possible. This is what due diligence is about. When you are entrusted to procure something,
you must do your best to get the best deal for the government. “But if, in the process, you have ‘other
considerations’, then you are not doing a good job of getting the best deal for the government. “The
government wants value for money. So, if the value of something is RM50, why would you allow the
government to be charged two or three times that price? “If, in the process, somebody else benefits
financially, then that is fraud and they should be charged.”
Ambrin said all government servants signed a pledge - the Aku Janji (I Promise) - to provide excellent,
honest service, and to protect the interest of the government and the nation. “It’s a question of integrity.”
HOW AN AUDIT IS DONE
1. ATTESTATION AUDIT
This concerns financial statements -- whether the accounts show a true and fair picture of income,
assets, liabilities and debts, and if accounting records have been maintained properly, follow
acceptable accounting principles and kept up-to-date.
2. ACCOUNTABILITY INDEX (COMPLIANCE) AUDIT
This looks at the financial management of public entities; how they manage receipts, expenditure,
budget, trust accounts, investments and assets. It also looks at whether rules and regulations had been
observed in the management of these elements. The regulations provide the necessary checks and
balances to prevent fraud and misuse of funds from happening. The Accountability Index, introduced
in 2006, puts this audit on a more objective platform, where ratings are given for compliance. Those
with 49 per cent and below will be considered unsatisfactory; 50 to 69 is satisfactory; 70 to 89 is good;
and 90 to 100 is excellent.
3. PERFORMANCE AUDIT
This looks at how well government programmes and projects have been planned, implemented and
monitored, in order to achieve the desired outcome and objective.
4. SPOT AUDIT
This is a spot-check to see if appropriate financial management controls are in place at all times. The
focus is usually on entities that collect revenue.
Time Frame –
While spot audits may take one or two days, the other three audits take about four months per entity.
This gives auditors enough time to get all the documents, facts and figures. There are two types of
auditors: internal auditors, who are stationed at ministries and do internal audits on the instruction of
the secretary-general, and external auditors from the Auditor-General’s Department who check on
ministries annually.
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Entrance and exit conference –
An audit starts with an entrance conference. Officers from the Auditor-General’s Department will go to
a specific entity and meet with management to inform them of their intention to audit. The management
will have to provide the officers with all the documentation. The auditing is usually done by a team of
three or four officers, who will check files, bills, contracts and other documents. Sometimes, site visits
are carried out, and when this happens, auditors are accompanied by an officer from that entity. At
the end of the audit, a draft report will be submitted to the management of the entity being audited
and the latter will have to check if the auditors’ observations were correct.
During this time, the auditors will write in to seek confirmation from the management about any issues
they are uncertain of. The answers they receive will be kept as documentary evidence. Then an exit
conference is held, which is usually conducted by the auditor-general, his two deputies or the state
director. The conference gives the management an opportunity to comment or explain to the auditors
before the report is finalised. Once finalised, the report goes to the auditor-general for approval
and then to the printer. It is then submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, before being tabled in
Parliament.
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26 Oktober 2009 (Isnin)
Parlimen - Laporan Audit: BN Tidak Pernah Kompromi Salah
Guna Kuasa
KUALA LUMPUR 26 Okt. - Pembangkang hari ini dibidas apabila ketuanya, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
(PKR-Permatang Pauh) cuba menggambarkan seolah-olah mereka sahaja yang mengambil berat
berhubung penyelewengan yang didedahkan dalam Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008. Sedangkan,
Datuk Seri Abdul Ghafur Saleh (BN-Kalabakan) berkata, BN juga tidak pernah berkompromi terhadap
segala isu yang berkaitan dengan salah guna kuasa. Malah beliau mengingatkan semua ahli Parlimen
mengenai jaminan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak bahawa kerajaan akan bertindak
tegas ke atas mereka yang tidak mengikut peraturan dan undang-undang seperti yang didedahkan
dalam laporan tersebut. ‘’BN tidak pernah sesekali bersekongkol dan mahu tindakan tegas diambil
terhadap mereka yang menyalahgunakan kuasa seperti yang dilaporkan oleh Ketua Audit Negara
2008,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian ketika mencelah semasa Anwar membahaskan Bajet 2010
di Dewan Rakyat hari ini.
Perdana Menteri ketika mengulas mengenai laporan itu baru-baru ini, mahu tindakan tegas diambil
terhadap pihak yang tidak mengikut peraturan dan undang-undang seperti yang didedahkan dalam
laporan berkenaan. Abdul Ghafur di dalam celahannya turut mengingatkan kepada semua pihak
khususnya pembangkang supaya lebih bersikap adil kepada Perdana Menteri ekoran pendedahan
yang dibuat oleh laporan itu. ‘’Adalah tidak adil untuk menyalahkan Perdana Menteri kerana beliau
baru enam bulan memegang tampuk pemerintahan. ‘’Tambahan pula laporan ini hanya menyentuh
mengenai segala perkara yang berlaku sepanjang 2008,” katanya.
Sementara itu Anwar berkata, pihaknya mahu kerajaan bertindak tegas ke atas mereka yang terbukti
menyalahguna kuasa seperti dinyatakan di dalam laporan tersebut. Katanya, sejak dahulu lagi
kerajaan hanya tahu memberi jaminan tetapi tidak pernah mengambil tindakan sewajarnya. ‘’Sebelum
ini sudah lima Perdana Menteri telah memberi jaminan untuk mengambil tindakan tetapi masih tidak
ada apa-apa,” tambahnya.
Baru-baru ini, Laporan Ketua Audit Negara mendedahkan kerajaan mungkin terpaksa menanggung
sebahagian besar daripada kerugian berjumlah RM1.14 bilion dalam Projek Landasan Berkembar
Elektrik antara Rawang dan Ipoh. Laporan itu mendapati wujud beberapa kelemahan pihak kontraktor
seperti kelewatan, perolehan peralatan dan tren melebihi keperluan atau tidak diselaras dengan
pembangunan struktur. Dalam laporan lain, Ketua Audit Negara turut mengesan tindakan pembekal
alatan kepada badan berkanun Persekutuan pada harga yang ‘tidak masuk akal’ bagi tahun 2008.
Malah Jabatan Audit Negara menemui bukti pembelian minyak petrol sehingga RM300.
Monday October 26, 2009
Overpaying By The Billions
PETALING JAYA: The federal and state governments are losing billions of ringgit every year through
over-priced contracts for things ranging from huge water tunnel projects to the outsourcing of
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information technology services. Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah
has acknowledged the amount that is lost is “a lot” but could not give an exact figure. He said the
government needed to curb wasteful spending by having competitive bidding for tenders in order to
get more bang for its ringgit. Precise figures are difficult to come by where government spending is
concerned, but conservatively developing countries such as Malaysia would have to spend between
10% and 20% of annual gross domestic product (GDP or the sum of goods and services produced)
on government procurement.
That would mean between RM70bil and RM140bil was spent on large infrastructure projects through
to the procurement of supplies and outsourced services last year based on a GDP at current prices
of around RM700bil. Even if the overpayment is just 20%, the amount that the government loses can
come up to between RM14bil and RM28bil a year. It could be much more than that if the overpayment
is higher – as it often is. According to the Auditor General’s report for 2007 and 2008, delays in the
completion of projects were one of the main factors for the cost overruns. The reports also highlighted
weaknesses in the procurement of various items ranging from vehicles to furniture for various
government bodies and initiatives.
The general view is that if the jobs were contracted out through an open tender, instead of the oftabused and much maligned direct negotiation system, there can be much savings. According to
estimates by two sources, costs could be as much as 50% lower if these jobs were tendered out
through a by-the-book public tender. On the other hand, some argue that government contracts were
awarded at higher costs due to several reasons, including more rigorous safety specifications of the
Public Works Department or the failure to review market prices especially when the costs went down.
Even with the higher specifications, a number of projects have been shown to be lacking in quality or
safety aspects over the years.
In recent times, this would include the infamous Matrade building, which was supposed to be
completed in 1997 but was only ready in 2006 and which eventually cost RM287.5mil against an
initial estimate of RM167mil, after taking into account a further RM64.8mil for repairs. Other instances
of shoddy workmanship include the then brand-new RM270mil Jalan Duta court complex’s cafeteria
being flooded after a pipe burst in May 2007 while late last year, the Putrajaya Corp building sprang
leaks on the roof during a high profile business meeting.
The list of projects also includes the recently completed RM300mil Stadium Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin
in Kuala Terengganu, the roof of which collapsed in early June and the overall damage estimated at
RM35mil. Another reason for the higher costs is that small or Class F contractors, who are often
inefficient and lack economies of scale, bill the federal and state governments higher. According to
a source, the job might be the only substantial one they have for the year. As the public outcry gets
louder over the billions of ringgit that have been lost in projects that make no business or economic
sense, the government initiated key result areas (KRAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs), where
ministries not only have to meet their budgets but also be required to produce results for the funding.
Husni said that since March 2008, all big government projects – except military or security contracts –
have been awarded through the open-tender system. StarProbe understands that there is a threshold
for open tenders, which starts at RM500,000. However, even public tenders risked being abused
as evidenced by the tender for Tourism Ministry’s pavilion for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.
Venturepharm Asia Sdn Bhd, which was awarded the RM19.99mil project, is mired in allegations that
it was given the job despite its bid not being the lowest nor it having the expertise but because of
political connections. In addition to the contract, it was also involved in another multi-million ringgit
project from the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to develop poultry feed known as
biofeed.
If all the projects worth at least RM500,000 were to put through open tender, then questions must
be raised over the Pahang Selangor Raw Water Tunnel project, which was awarded earlier this year.
Apparently, the government had “pre-qualified” three consortia for the project, with the initial phase
costing RM1.3bil to be built by the Shimizu-led consortium. The project was awarded via a restricted
tender to a consortium led by Japan’s Shimizu Corp and Nishimatsu Construction Co Ltd, which own
30% each in the project. IJM Corp Bhd and UEM Builders Bhd equally share the balance stake. The
entire water transfer project would cost over RM8bil, of which about half would be financed with a
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cheap loan to the government from the Japan Bank for Interna-tional Cooperation. Industry sources
allege that because of the Japanese soft loan, the pre-qualification shut out others who were quite
capable of undertaking the project, leaving the field to Japanese companies.
A-G’s 2008 Report Shows Project Delays, Lack Of Oversight
Continue To Cost Govt Millions Of Ringgit
PETALING JAYA: The Auditor-General’s Report for 2008, which was tabled in Parliament on Oct 19,
reveal weaknesses that had been highlighted in the previous year’s report were a continuing thorn in
the side of proper financial management at every level of government. Delays in project completion
seem to be a perennial problem and the lack of oversight by various ministries and departments in
the procurement of goods and services continue to cost the Government hundreds of millions of
ringgit. These range from multi-billion ringgit infrastructure projects to the procurement of laptops and
maintenance of government assets. For example, Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara Balik Pulau in Penang
paid RM84,640 for two laptops or RM42,320 per laptop and spent RM2.08mil on computer software
that was not used, among other things. Then there is the over RM15mil the Perak government spent
on new purchases of cars and maintenance over the past four years and still not being able to
manage its vehicles properly.
Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang said in the preface to the 2008 report that the audit revealed
the non-compliance of various financial regulations in the management of Federal Government
finances. “The result of the audit showed that some of the federal ministries and departments were
not serious in improving their performance in financial management, even though such weaknesses
had been repeatedly reported and brought to their attention by the National Audit Department,”
he said. Weaknesses revealed in the report included the Finance Ministry’s public infrastructure
maintenance programme, basic infrastructure programme and parliamentary constituency rural
development projects involving RM4.59bil for 92,687 projects from 2005 to November 2008 that
were still not satisfactorily implemented. It said there were delays in project completion, work not
done in accordance with the original scope of works, increased project costs due to the inclusion of
procurement of equipment and assets in the scope of works, unutilised facilities upon completion,
improper payments made for works not done and shortage of officers in project supervision.
The report highlighted that the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry’s Tanjung Manis
integrated deep-sea fishing port in Mukah, Sarawak, built at a cost of RM313.62mil, did not achieve
its “main objective” because of project delay, unsatisfactory work quality and non-completion or
non-construction of certain basic facilities. The Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s Infodesa
programme was also singled out for mention due not only to the perennial problem of project delays
but also to the delay in operating the completed Infodesa Centres. The report said a total RM68.38mil
had been spent on the programme as at Dec 31, 2008, but 156 completed centres were still not
registered in the name of the Federal Land Commissioner. The programme has been ongoing since
the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001 to 2005). It added that the Works Ministry’s poor planning of the
Federal Government Administrative Centre in Muadzam Shah, Kedah resulted in the complex not
occupied earlier.
“As at Dec 31, 2008, 95% of the Federal Government Administrative Centre was completed and
a total of RM243.53mil was spent,” the report said, adding that lack of oversight caused project
delays. Weaknesses were also noted in the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry’s human
capital development programme where targets of schemes were not fully achieved, payments were
made to unqualified recipients as well as inefficient monitoring and evaluation of the programme. The
programme cost the Government RM153.73mil from 2006 to 2008.
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Overcharged For ICT It Mainly Involves Outsourced Services
PETALING JAYA: Ministries that outsource their information and communications technology (ICT)
services are being overcharged to the tune of hundreds of millions of ringgit and often by companies
that are relatively unknown for their expertise in the industry. ICT is a multi-billion ringgit industry with
value-added services, according to Pikom, the association that represents the local ICT industry.
ICT contributed 10.8% to the country’s gross domestic product last year while the overall industry
accounted for 26.9% of the manufacturing sector.
A source familiar with such deals said this typically happened in the multi-million ringgit deals involving
outsourced services instead of the procurement of computer hardware. “The contract price can be
more than 50% higher than if the deals were done on an open tender basis,” he said, adding that
ministries had overpaid for these services. He blamed the negotiated deals for this. “One example is
that of a number of little-known deals totalling around half-a-billion ringgit for ICT services that were
awarded to several unknown companies two to three years back,” he said.
He said the contracts were initially tagged at RM1bil but were later reviewed and the value reduced
after industry players pointed out the discrepancy in the costs versus the market price. He said once
awarded, the contract-winning companies would often subcontract them out to other companies as
they lacked the expertise. “This is part of the reason why the prices are uncompetitive. The other
being the companies involved in the work will itemise various services in the bill to justify the cost but
that is hard to prove,” he added.
However, in the Auditor-General’s 2007 report, it was noted that even where the procurement of
computer hardware was concerned, there were discrepancies. The report found that in the Education
Ministry’s Teaching and Learning Science and Mathematics in English, there was an excess of
between one and 20 computer notebooks compared with the number of teachers for the programme
in each school. The ministry was approved an allocation of RM4.99bil for use in the programme from
2002 to 2008, of which RM2.21bil was used from 2002 to 2007 for the procurement of computers,
LCD projectors, screens, trolleys, loudspeakers, televisions and training for users of these equipment.
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Opinion – Zamri Mahmud Kuala Lumpur
A-G’s Report Must Be Taken Seriously
WHILE we continue to digest the numerous initiatives announced by the Prime Minister in the
“1Malaysia, Together We Prosper” 2010 Budget, it is also wise for us not to lose sight of the 2008
Auditor-General’s Report which was presented a few days earlier. Lest we forget, the report revealed
an astonishing degree of mismanagement, abuse, misuse and wastage of public funds. As an
ordinary citizen who contributes to the Government coffers in direct and indirect taxes, I join the
chorus of calls for the authorities to treat the report with grave concern. We are not about to accept
lame excuses or statements like “There was no abuse of funds. It was just the system”. Steps should
be taken to penalise those responsible for their sloppiness or indiscretion. New pragmatic measures
must also be implemented to undo these weaknesses and ensure that such wrongs are not repeated.
Government expenditure which emphasises value-for-money and projects that create high multiplier
effects should be closely monitored so that they bring benefits to the people.
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), if practised effectively at all levels of the government ministries,
departments and agencies, could perhaps enhance this endeavour. But at the end of the day, it is
the political will of the powers that be, and not mere rhetoric, which will determine its subsequent
success. The Government can come out with brilliant strategies to gear the nation towards a highincome economy while ensuring a holistic and sustainable development and protecting the people’s
well-being. But if the ones given the task to manage public funds do not discharge their duties
responsibly, I am afraid all these well-thought of ideas and efforts will just go to waste.
Worst still it can become a liability to the country. Needless to say, the imminent victims will always be
the rakyat. Thus, it is incumbent on the Government to show strong leadership in managing the 1.2
million-odd civil servants to ensure that as a people we can achieve the desired results. As the Prime
Minister said, the needs of the people and the nation must always take precedence. Otherwise, the
rakyat will continue to be disillusioned and this surely does not augur well for the much-acclaimed
1Malaysia.
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Tuesday October 27, 2009
Meetings Planned With Ministries And Agencies To Check Excess
Spending
By FINTAN NG
KUALA LUMPUR: Treasury officials will meet with their counterparts in other ministries and agencies
over spending excesses and non-compliance with guidelines on procurement. Finance Ministry
secretary-general Tan Sri Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah said Treasury officials would be meeting
them from next month over problems that have cropped up in the procurement system. He said if
wrongdoing was found, punitive measures, including imposing a surcharge for the excess costs,
would be imposed. “We want to improve the Federal Government’s procurement system by having
more transparency and ensuring that there is more value for money,” he said.
He was commenting on ministries and agencies where their spending excesses and non-compliance
with Treasury guidelines on procurement were highlighted in the 2008 Auditor-General’s report and
the latest Starprobe report. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual post-Budget
dialogue hosted by the Malaysian Economic Association yesterday that checks and balances,
including the internal monitoring system on spending by the respective ministries and agencies,
have been under review since last month. “I’m also very concerned as this (excessive costs) happens
every year,” Wan Abdul Aziz said.
It is understood that from Sept 1, infrastructure projects valued below RM100mil would be handled
directly by the ministry or agency concerned without having to go through the Finance Ministry. For
procurement of supplies and services, it would be RM50mil and below. Previously, projects valued
below RM50mil and procurement of supplies and services below RM30mil did not need Finance
Ministry approval. Wan Abdul Aziz said this was to cut down on red tape and ensure that projects and
procurement were approved faster. “Our priority will be on the open and restricted tender systems
unless the procurement or project is for defence and security matters or if there’s only one supplier in
the country,” he added.
On another note, Wan Abdul Aziz said despite the cut in the Federal Government’s operating budget
for next year, core services would not be allowed to deteriorate. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak
had tabled an operating expenditure of RM138.3bil for Budget 2010, 14% below this year’s allocation.
“They’ve to maintain their core services so they’ll have to prioritise given the tight budget,” he said.
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27 Oktober 2009 (Selasa)
Laporan Ketua Audit Negara Pengukur KPI
KUALA LUMPUR 27 Okt. — Laporan Ketua Audit Negara akan diambil kira dalam mengukur indeks
petunjuk prestasi (KPI) setiap kementerian dan jabatan, kata Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Tan
Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon. Penilaian dalam laporan berkenaan boleh digunapakai oleh Unit Penyampaian
dan Perkhidmatan Prestasi (Pemandu) untuk membantu kerajaan membuat penilaian dari segi
kekurangan yang masih wujud serta punca kelemahan yang hendak diperbetulkan.
“Memang masalah yang dicerminkan atau dilapor melalui Laporan Ketua Audit Negara juga akan
diambil kira sebagai petunjuk untuk membolehkan kita membuat penilaian dari segi kekurangan
yang masih wujud. “Pemandu akan juga ambil kira laporan Ketua Audit Negara sebagai satu input
atau maklum balas mengenai prestasi kerajaan,” katanya kepada pemberita di Lobi Parlimen hari
ini. Koh berkata, pemantauan mengenai pencapaian setiap kementerian dan jabatan terbabit akan
dilaksanakan sendiri oleh Menteri dan Ketua Setiausaha kementerian berkenaan. - Bernama
28 Oktober 2009 (Rabu)
KPI Ambil Kira Laporan Audit
Laporan Anwar Hussin, Mohd Anwar Patho Rohman, Khairul Azran Hussin dan S Anand Kumar
[email protected]
Langkah bantu tingkat khidmat kementerian, jabatan kerajaan
KUALA LUMPUR: Laporan Ketua Audit Negara akan diambil kira dalam mengukur petunjuk prestasi
utama (KPI) setiap kementerian dan jabatan kerajaan pada masa depan, kata Menteri di Jabatan
Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon. Katanya, laporan itu akan membantu kerajaan membuat
penilaian mengenai pencapaian perkhidmatan setiap kementerian dan agensinya, sekali gus
memperbaiki segala kelemahan. “Memang masalah yang dilaporkan menerusi Laporan Ketua Audit
Negara akan diambil kira sebagai petunjuk untuk membolehkan kita membuat penilaian dalam aspek
kekurangan yang masih
wujud,” katanya di lobi
Parlimen, semalam.
Koh juga berkata, selain
pembabitan
Pemandu,
pemantauan
terhadap
pencapaian
setiap
kementerian dan jabatan
terbabit akan dilaksanakan
sendiri oleh menteri dan
Ketua Setiausaha (KSU)
kementerian
berkenaan.
Beliau berkata, walaupun
laporan audit melaporkan
apa yang berlaku pada
tahun
sebelumnya,
kerajaan boleh mengambil
kira perkara itu supaya
tumpuan dapat diberikan
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untuk mempertingkatkan keberkesanan pencapaian dan penyampaian perkhidmatan setiap
kementerian dan jabatan mengikut Bidang Keberhasilan Utama Negara (NKRA) masing-masing.
Selain itu, Koh berkata, semua kementerian dan jabatan yang mendapat teguran dalam laporan audit
berkenaan perlu memberi maklum balas kepada Ketua Audit Negara dan Jawatankuasa Kira-Kira
Wang Negara (PAC). Katanya, perkara itu prosedur yang perlu dilaksana oleh semua kementerian
dan jabatan yang ditegur berhubung prestasi mereka.
28 Oktober 2009 (Rabu)
Laporan Audit 2008 Ada Asas Untuk Disiasat
PUTRAJAYA 28 Okt. – Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) mendapati terdapat
beberapa isu yang didedahkan dalam Laporan Audit Negara 2008 melibatkan unsur jenayah dan
rasuah yang mempunyai asas untuk disiasat. Mengesahkan perkara itu hari ini, Timbalan Ketua
Pesuruhjaya (Operasi) SPRM, Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed berkata, pihaknya sedang meneliti
laporan tersebut. ‘‘Ketika ini satu kumpulan telah ditugaskan untuk menyiasat laporan tersebut, kami
belum bersedia mendedahkan pihak atau agensi mana terlibat. ‘‘Kami tidak mahu saksi-saksi nanti
mendapat bayangan mereka akan disiasat sehingga menyulitkan proses siasatan,” katanya pada
sesi taklimat kepada para pengarang media di Ibu Pejabat SPRM di sini.
Minggu lalu, Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008 mendedahkan kerajaan mungkin terpaksa
menanggung sebahagian besar daripada kerugian berjumlah RM1.14 bilion dalam Projek Landasan
Berkembar Elektrik Antara Rawang dan Ipoh. Laporan itu mendapati wujud beberapa kelemahan
pihak kontraktor seperti kelewatan, perolehan peralatan dan tren melebihi keperluan atau tidak
diselaras dengan pembangunan struktur. Dalam laporan lain, Ketua Audit Negara turut mengesan
tindakan pembekalan alatan kepada badan berkanun Persekutuan pada harga yang ‘tidak masuk
akal’ bagi tahun 2008.
Berikutan itu, Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mahu tindakan tegas diambil terhadap
pihak yang tidak mengikut peraturan dan undang-undang seperti yang didedahkan dalam laporan
tersebut. Ditanya sama ada Laporan Audit Negara 2008 itu memberi mesej tertentu kepada SPRM,
Abu Kassim berkata, laporan berkenaan melibatkan aspek kaedah perbelanjaan dan tatacara kerja
penjawat awam. ‘‘Adalah tidak adil setiap kandungan dalam laporan itu memerlukan penglibatan
SPRM (untuk menyiasat), ia bergantung kepada ketua jabatan dan semua pegawai (kerajaan) yang
kena menanggungnya (bertanggungjawab). ‘‘Kerja SPRM hanyalah ‘mengutip’ beberapa isu dan jika
terlibat dengan rasuah, ia akan disiasat di bawah Akta Suruhanjaya Rasuah 2009,” katanya.
Mengenai siasatan ke atas pendedahan isu-isu dalam Laporan Audit Negara 2007, Abu Kassim
berkata, sebanyak 15 orang telah dituduh melibatkan 94 pertuduhan. ‘‘Juga telah dikeluarkan 18
laporan SPRM (tatatertib) dan surat nasihat kepada ketua jabatan. ‘‘Sebanyak 45 kertas siasatan pula
dalam siasatan lanjutan,” katanya.
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29 October 2009 (Thursday)
MACC To Probe Into Audit Report
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has formed a special team, comprising
senior investigating officers, to probe irregularities and elements of corruption uncovered in the
2008/2009 Auditor-General’s Report. Its deputy commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed said the
team had detected elements of corruption that could form the basis for investigations.
The Auditor-General’s Report had, among other things, cited illegal logging, logging in forest reserves
or national parks and poor enforcement as some of the factors responsible for the poor management
of forests in Sarawak as well as Kelantan, Pahang and Johor. It also highlighted mismanagement and
irregularities in several agencies, departments and state governments.
Abu Kassim said 15 civil servants had been taken to court to face 94 corruption-related charges
arising from observations in the Auditor-General’s report for 2007/2008. Recommendations for
disciplinary action had been acted on in 18 cases. He said investigations into Datin Seri Lee Sun
Loo, wife of Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who allegedly received a Toyota Alphard car
as a birthday gift from a developer, were ongoing. She is alleged to have received the vehicle from a
company undertaking numerous projects for the Health Ministry.
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Thursday October 29, 2009
MACC Team To Probe Agencies In A-G’s Report
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has set up a special team to
investigate government agencies and departments based on the Auditor-General’s report. MACC
deputy commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed said there were several matters in the report that
warranted further investigation. He declined to reveal any specifics but said MACC would concentrate
on cases where there were elements of corruption or breach of trust. “Let us look at the report, get
details and documents and interview several people before we release any information to the media,
” he told a media briefing yesterday.
He said from the previous A-G’s report (2007), 15 people had been charged for committing a total of
94 offences, 18 disciplinary reports issued against department heads while 45 cases were still being
investigated. He said that in the first nine months of this year, the commission had brought eight
Barisan Nasional politicians and 65 civil servants including top officers and 56 individuals from the
private sector to court. In the same period, he said, the commission carried out investigations against
36 politicians from Barisan and 17 from Pakatan Rakyat.
Asked why none of the Pakatan politicians have been charged in court, Abu Kassim said his officers
were still conducting investigations against the individuals. He also said that the commission was
keeping a close eye on individuals in the private sector in an effort to stamp out graft. “Many people
are under the impression that corrupt practices are the work of politicians and government officials
alone. This is wrong as people in the private sector are also guilty for offering bribes. “The number of
investigations the MACC has carried out against individuals from the corporate world and companies
has increased,” he said.
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30 Oktober 2009 (Jumaat)
Rencana - Penting ‘Kecekapan’ Urus Bajet
BAJET 2010 yang bertemakan ‘1Malaysia Kemakmuran Bersama’ masih hangat lagi diperkatakan
baik oleh pakar-pakar ekonomi, ahli-ahli akademik, masyarakat, tidak kurang hebat juga masih hangat
dibincangkan di warung-warung kopi. Bajet baru-baru ini dibentangkan tanpa ada gangguan daripada
pihak pembangkang. Bagaimanapun Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008 mendahului pembentangan
Bajet 2010. Pendedahan tersebut perlu dilihat dari sudut perspektif yang lebih rasional. Ia menuntut
kerajaan untuk benar-benar melakukan tindakan yang drastik demi merealisasikan maksud perubahan
yang sebenar.
Slogan 1Malaysia tidak hanya dihayati dari sudut rakyat didahulukan tetapi penghayatan pencapaian
diutamakan mestilah diterjemahkan melalui kecekapan dan tanggungjawab dalam menguruskan
sesebuah jabatan atau organisasi tanpa ada pembaziran yang ‘melampau’. Setelah kerajaan berjaya
meletakkan rakyat didahulukan dan diakui oleh semua pihak, kini sudah tiba masanya penumpuan
perlu diberikan kepada usaha pencapaian diutamakan. Pencapaian bukan hanya diukur dari sudut
kejayaan sahaja malah perlu dilihat dari sudut pengurusan agar tidak berlaku pembaziran seperti
yang dilaporkan oleh Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008.
Kita perlu akui kejayaan sesebuah jabatan atau organisasi bergantung kepada kebijaksanaan
dan kekuatan seseorang ketua. Jika diumpamakan sebuah kapal yang dikemudikan oleh seorang
nakhoda, jika salah arahannya maka kapal tersebut akan bergerak ke haluan yang salah. Jika betul
nakhodanya maka kapal tersebut akan bergerak ke haluan yang betul. Jika silap percaturan maka
karamlah kapal tersebut, bukan setakat nakhoda (ketua) sahaja yang tenggelam tetapi mereka yang
tidak berdosa iaitu anak-anak kapal (rakyat) turut tenggelam. Apa yang lebih malang jika berlaku
sebaliknya, nakhoda selamat, anak-anak kapal yang tenggelam.
Sekali lagi kita berdepan dengan masalah integriti. Walaupun kita mempunyai belanjawan yang
terbaik tetapi jika sampai di peringkat pelaksanaannya berlaku pembaziran, pembelian yang
meragukan, pembinaan yang tidak menepati spesifikasi dan sebagainya maka ia tidak akan
merubah keadaan sebaliknya lebih merumitkan keadaan. Permasalahan ini perlu ditangani sebelum
bajet yang akan datang dibentangkan pula. Kita perlu menyedari bahawa setiap orang daripada
kita memikul tanggungjawab dan amanah yang begitu berat sekali, apatah lagi jika seseorang itu
memegang jawatan sebagi pengurus ataupun ketua. Kita perlu menyedari bahawa pembaziran yang
berlaku merupakan dana kerajaan dengan lain perkataan ‘duit rakyat’. Allah SWT mengingatkan
umat manusia agar sentiasa berintegriti dan menjaga setiap rezeki yang diperolehi daripada sumber
yang halal. Firman Allah SWT yang bermaksud: “Wahai orang-orang yang beriman, makanlah
daripada rezeki yang baik yang telah kami berikan kepada kamu dan bersyukurlah kepada Allah
jika betul kamu beribadat kepada-Nya”. (Surah al-Baqarah; ayat 172). Selaras dengan pencapaian
diutamakan, tanggungjawab ini pastinya harus dipikul oleh Unit Penyampaian dan Perkhidmatan
Prestasi (Pemandu) untuk membantu kerajaan mengatasi dan memperbetulkan ‘kepincangan’ yang
berlaku agar tidak berlaku lagi seperti yang terkandung dalam Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008.
Kerajaan perlu memberi perhatian yang serius kepada aspek pengurusan setelah berjaya menyediakan
bajet yang disifatkan sebagai mesra rakyat, berjiwa rakyat, bajet rakyat dan sebagainya. Bajet
yang begitu hebat hanya tinggal sebagai satu ‘sejarah’ jika tidak diuruskan dengan baik. Jika kita
umpamakan sebagai sebuah pasukan bola sepak, tidak ada gunanya kita mempunyai jurulatih yang
hebat, sumber kewangan yang banyak tetapi pemain bermain sambil lewa dan rasuah, akhirnya
pasukan gagal menjuarai perlawanan.
Laporan Ketua Audit tersebut perlu disusuli dengan tindakan yang ‘sepatutnya’ diambil kira dalam
Indek Penilaian Prestasi (KPI) jabatan terbabit selain daripada menjadi satu input atau maklum
balas mengenai prestasi kerajaan. Prestasi yang buruk yang ditunjukkan oleh mana-mana jabatan
harus diambil kira terutamanya dalam pemberian bonus ataupun imbuhan supaya mereka yang
telah melakukan pembaziran tidak menikmati imbuhan tersebut. Masalah pembaziran terutamanya
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pembaziran sumber kewangan merupakan masalah yang berkaitan dengan individu terutamanya
mereka yang terlibat dalam membuat keputusan. Sikap ini perlu diubah dan menjadi tanggungjawab
seseorang ketua untuk mengubah, mengawasi, menyelia dan menasihati orang-orang di bawahnya.
Allah SWT telah berfirman Surah Yusuf ayat 55, Nabi Yusuf berkata: Jadikan saya penjaga
perbendaharaan. Sesungguhnya saya pandai menjaga lagi mengerti. Jika kita menghayati kisah Nabi
Yusuf ini, baginda telah menjalankan amanah yang dipertanggungjawabkan kepadanya sebagai
menteri ekonomi Mesir dengan begitu efektif sekali, hasilnya kemakmuran negara Mesir mampu
dikongsi dengan penduduk negara jiran pada ketika itu. Justeru adalah menjadi tanggungjawab
semua terutamanya majikan atau seseorang ketua untuk menguruskan sumber-sumber organisasi
terutamanya sumber kewangan tanpa ada pembaziran. Kerana pembaziran yang dilakukan bermakna
kita telah ‘mengkhianati’ rakyat dan menyalahgunakan ‘wang rakyat’. Nabi Muhammad SAW pernah
bersabda dalam satu hadis yang bermaksud: Orang yang paling dirundung penyesalan pada hari
akhirat ialah orang yang memperolehi harta dari sumber yang tidak halal lalu menyebabkannya masuk
neraka. (Riwayat Iman Bukhari). Langkah kerajaan memberi penekanan kepada pembentukan modal
insan yang berkualiti amat tepat sekali supaya masalah yang berlaku tidak menjadi ‘gejala’ pada
masa depan.
Namun tindakan sewajarnya perlu dilakukan segera untuk memastikan keyakinan rakyat yang
semakin bersinar tidak terhakis. Tumpuan perlu diberikan kepada aspek pengurusan supaya yang
diamanahkan menjalankan tanggungjawab menguruskan ‘wang rakyat’ dengan cekap dan berkesan.
Integriti dan akauntabiliti bukan sahaja perlu ada dalam diri setiap ketua tetapi termasuk semua pekerja
dalam sesebuah organisasi. Kita perlu menjaga setiap tanggungjawab yang diamanahkan kerana
kita akan dipersoalkan tentang tanggungjawab kita ke atas harta dan anak-anak kita manakala setiap
ketua/majikan pula akan ditanya tentang tanggungjawab mereka ke atas organisasi dan pekerjapekerja mereka. Para pekerja juga tidak akan terlepas akan ditanya tentang tanggungjawab mereka
terhadap pekerjaan dan majikan mereka. Ini bertepatan dengan firman Allah SWT yang bermaksud:
Pada hari ini Kami tutup mulut mereka, dan Kami berbicara dengan tangan mereka dan menjadi
saksi kaki mereka, tentang apa-apa yang telah mereka kerjakan. (Surah Yasin, ayat 65). Penulis ialah
Pensyarah Kanan, Fakulti Pengurusan Perniagaan, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
30 Oktober 2009 (Jumaat)
Laporan Audit Disiasat
PUTRAJAYA 30 Okt. – Jemaah Menteri hari ini memutuskan supaya satu jawatankuasa petugas
ditubuhkan untuk menyiasat unsur penyelewengan dan rasuah yang didedahkan dalam Laporan
Audit Negara 2008. Mengumumkan demikian, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata, jawatankuasa
itu dipengerusikan oleh Ketua Setiausaha Negara, Tan Sri Mohd. Sidek Hassan. Ia dianggotai Ketua
Setiausaha Perbendaharaan, Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), Ketua Audit
Negara, Peguam Negara dan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM). Sambil menekankan
bahawa kerajaan begitu serius mahu memperhebatkan budaya prestasi tinggi di kalangan penjawat
awam, Perdana Menteri menegaskan, sebarang salah guna kuasa yang berlaku seharusnya tidak
terlepas daripada tindakan tegas. ‘‘(Mesyuarat) Jemaah Menteri (hari ini) memandang berat Laporan
Audit Negara (2008) yang telah pun dibentangkan di Parlimen. “Sayugia dinyatakan kita bukan
hendak mencari salah sesiapa tetapi untuk tentukan pihak-pihak yang sengaja melakukan kesalahan
secara terang-terangan tidak seharusnya terlepas daripada tindakan tegas.
‘‘Kita nak menjurus pada budaya prestasi tinggi, maknanya penjawat awam yang tunjukkan prestasi
cemerlang mendapat ganjaran dan pengiktirafan sebaliknya yang lakukan salah guna kuasa, tindakan
pasti diambil,” kata beliau pada sidang akhbar di pejabatnya petang ini. Minggu lalu, Laporan Ketua
Audit Negara 2008 mendedahkan kerajaan mungkin terpaksa menanggung sebahagian besar
daripada kerugian berjumlah RM1.14 bilion dalam Projek Landasan Berkembar Elektrik Antara Rawang
dan Ipoh. Laporan itu mendapati wujud beberapa kelemahan pihak kontraktor seperti kelewatan,
perolehan peralatan dan tren melebihi keperluan atau tidak diselaras dengan pembangunan struktur.
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Dalam laporan lain, Ketua Audit Negara turut mengesan tindakan pembekalan alatan kepada badan
berkanun Persekutuan pada harga yang ‘tidak masuk akal’ bagi tahun 2008.
Mengulas lanjut, Perdana Menteri berkata, tindakan yang akan diambil terhadap mereka yang terlibat
dalam penyelewengan yang didedahkan laporan itu tidak semestinya dari segi undang-undang. ‘‘Tetapi
tindakan yang wajar, mungkin kena bayar balik, turun pangkat, tahan pangkat atau setidak-tidaknya
berpindah ke tempat lain. ‘‘Tindakan akan diambil berdasarkan pertimbangan yang adil dan saksama.
Ia tidaklah dalam bentuk tindakan yang keras sehingga tidak ada pertimbangan kemanusiaan. Kata
Najib, Jemaah Menteri percaya tindakan tegas perlu dilakukan memandangkan Laporan Audit
Negara didedahkan setiap tahun, justeru sebarang salah guna kuasa dan penyelewengan tidak
seharusnya berulang. Dalam hubungan ini juga, Perdana Menteri berkata, dalam usaha memupuk
budaya prestasi tinggi, maka anggota pentadbiran yang menunjukkan prestasi cemerlang akan
diumumkan tidak lama lagi. ‘‘Ganjarannya kita akan umumkan bila tiba masanya nanti,” katanya.
31 Oktober 2009 (Sabtu)
Siasat Laporan Audit
Oleh Johari Ibrahim [email protected]
Pasukan khas teliti salah laku, ketirisan di jabatan kerajaan
PUTRAJAYA: Kerajaan menubuhkan jawatankuasa petugas untuk mengkaji Laporan Ketua Audit
Negara mengenai penyalahgunaan kuasa serta penyelewengan dan mencadangkan tindakan
undang-udang dan tindakan peringkat jabatan terhadap mereka yang terbabit. Perdana Menteri,
Datuk Seri Najib Razak, berkata jawatankuasa itu akan diketuai Ketua Setiausaha Negara, Tan Sri
Mohd Sidek Hassan dan dianggotai Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan, Tan Sri Dr Wan Abdul Aziz
Wan Abdullah; Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam, Tan Sri Ismail Adam dan Ketua Audit Negara, Tan
Sri Ambrin Buang. Turut dijangka menganggotainya ialah Peguam Negara, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail
dan wakil Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM). Najib berkata, penubuhan pasukan
petugas itu diluluskan oleh Kabinet yang bermesyuarat semalam, selaras dengan pendekatan
budaya prestasi tinggi yang menjadi salah satu teras serta matlamat kerajaan. “Ia untuk meneliti
segala dapatan dalam Laporan Ketua Audit Negara, khususnya yang membabitkan salah guna
kuasa dan penyelewengan serta menentukan apa tindakan yang wajar diambil terhadap mereka
yang melakukan sebarang kesalahan.
“Tujuannya bukan untuk mencari kesalahan, sebaliknya menentukan mana-mana pihak yang sengaja
melakukan kesalahan tidak terlepas daripada tindakan,” katanya pada sidang media di pejabatnya
di sini. Najib berkata, tindakan yang akan dikenakan bukan semata-mata daripada segi undangundang, tetapi dalam bentuk pentadbiran seperti dikenakan surcaj, turun pangkat dan tahan pangkat
atau sekurang-kurangnya dipindahkan ke tempat lain. Sambil memberi jaminan tindakan yang
bakal diambil akan adil dan saksama, beliau berkata ia turut membabitkan anggota pentadbiran
jika didapati memberikan arahan yang tidak munasabah. “Kalau dalam keadaan memerlukan, kita
akan memberikan ehsan supaya tindakan tidak terlalu keras, tidak ada pertimbangan atau tidak
ada perikemanusiaan sama sekali. “Kita hendak menjurus kepada budaya prestasi tinggi. Maknanya
penjawat awam yang menunjukkan prestasi cemerlang akan diberi ganjaran dan diiktiraf, manakala
mereka yang cuai dan salah guna kuasa akan diambil tindakan,” katanya.
Beliau juga berkata jabatan yang didapati melakukan kesalahan akan diminta memberikan penjelasan
sebelum sebarang tindakan diambil. Perdana Menteri berkata jawatankuasa itu akan mengadakan
mesyuarat pertama Isnin ini bagi mengkaji laporan berkenaan secara berperingkat, termasuk isu
yang serius dan mempunyai kuasa memanggil sesiapa saja untuk memberikan keterangan. “Bagi
kes penyelewengan yang sukar dilihat dari segi tindakan undang-undang tetapi kesalahan memang
berlaku, kita akan mengambil tindakan daripada segi pentadbiran,” katanya. Menjawab soalan, Najib
berkata tindakan kerajaan itu tidak akan menyebabkan penyelewengan sifar tetapi yakin jumlah dan
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kekerapan kesalahan akan berkurangan. “Biar kita realistik. Ia tidak boleh menjadi sifar (tetapi) kita
akan tunjuk kesungguhan dan saya percaya ia akan bawa kepada pengurangan yang ketara dari
segi penyalahgunaan kuasa,” katanya.
Saturday October 31, 2009
Task Force To Look Into Irregularities Noted In A-G’s Report
By DHARMENDER SINGH
PUTRAJAYA: A high-powered task force will be set up immediately to scrutinise wrongdoings reported
in the recently-released Auditor-General’s Report, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. This is to ensure
that those involved in any misappropriation of funds or abuse of power would not “get away with it”
but face the consequences. This is the first time that such a task force has been formed to look into
irregularities as noted in the Auditor-General’s Report.
The Prime Minister said the task force to be chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri
Sidek Hassan will include Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Public
Services Department director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam and Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission would be
called to join if necessary, he said.
The task force is to hold its first meeting on Monday and Sidek will announce its findings from
time to time. Najib said the decision to form the task force was made by the Cabinet at its meeting
yesterday because it felt there was a need to look into any wrongdoings closely. The Cabinet felt that
serious action against those involved was needed to ensure that matters like abuse of power and
misappropriation did not repeatedly appear in the annual report, he told a special press conference
in announcing the setting up of the task force here yesterday. “I want to state that the reason (for
the setting up of the task force) is not to launch a witch hunt but to identify those who intentionally
and openly committed offences because we (the Cabinet) felt that they should not be allowed to go
without having any action taken against them. “They will not necessarily face legal action. They might
face administrative action like surcharge, demotion, having their promotions frozen or be transferred,”
Najib said.
The task force, he added, would study in stages the irregularities reported and start with cases with
clear signs of abuse of power or misappropriation. Asked if setting up the task force was aimed
an stopping corruption, he said: “Let’s be realistic, there cannot be absolute zero corruption but
if we show seriousness (in going after those involved), I believe we can bring the numbers down
considerably.”
Najib also said the Government would be fair and act compassionately if there were mitigating factors
that led to the actions of the offenders. He said investigations by the task force, which would have
the power to haul up and question any person it felt necessary, would also look at administrative staff
in the departments concerned to ascertain if they issued inappropriate orders. “In line with the high
performance culture, we will have certain measures that I will announce later to recognise and reward
those who do well, so it is not just punitive in nature.” At a function later, Sidek said the task force
would make sure that those who deliberately did not follow the rules were brought to book. He said
this was part of the Government’s efforts in enforcing existing rules and regulations.
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1 November 2009 (Ahad)
Penubuhan Jawatankuasa Siasat Penyelewengan
IPOH 1 Nov. - Penubuhan jawatankuasa petugas untuk menyiasat unsur penyelewengan dan
rasuah bukan bertujuan menghukum sesiapa, kata Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd. Kadir.
Beliau berkata, penubuhan jawatankuasa itu merupakan usaha kerajaan untuk memastikan sistem
penyampaian berkesan pada masa depan.Menurutnya, kerajaan negeri mengalu-alukan penubuhan
jawatankuasa itu kerana ia merupakan penanda aras kepada mana-mana jabatan kerajaan supaya
tidak berlakunya ketirisan.
“Jangan pula ada pihak-pihak yang memanipulasikan Laporan Audit Negara kerana laporan itu harus
dilihat secara positif dalam usaha untuk mengemas kini sistem penyampaian.”Saya tidak anggap
Laporan Audit Negara itu tidak baik kepada kerajaan, tetapi untuk membaiki sistem penyampaian
kita yang berkesan,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis penyerahan Sijil Perakuan Layak
Menduduki (CF) kepada 73 pembeli rumah di Taman Klebang Putra dekat sini semalam.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas keputusan Kabinet semalam supaya satu
jawatankuasa petugas ditubuhkan untuk menyiasat unsur penyelewengan dan rasuah yang
didedahkan dalam Laporan Audit Negara 2008. Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak berkata,
jawatankuasa itu dipengerusikan oleh Ketua Setiausaha Negara, Tan Sri Mohd. Sidek Hassan.
Ia dianggotai Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan, Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Perkhidmatan awam
(JPA), Ketua Audit Negara, Peguam Negeri dan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM).
Pada masa yang sama, Zambry berkata, rakyat boleh mengemukakan aduan kepada pihaknya dalam
usaha meningkatkan sistem penyampaian di negeri ini. “Saya telah mengarahkan setiap rungutan
rakyat di negeri ini dapat dijawab dalam tempoh 14 hari,” katanya.
Sunday November 1, 2009
Parliament - A-G’s Report Leaves Many To Ponder If Anything
Has Changed Through Years
By ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN
MUCH of last week at the Dewan Rakyat dealt with the 2008 Auditor-General’s (A-G) Report, which
was tabled in the House on Monday. Paying RM42,320 for a laptop and notching up hundreds of
ringgit in fuel payments for a government car in a few minutes were obvious fodder for Opposition
MPs and for both sides of the divide to ponder if anything had changed through the decades.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wasted no time in his criticism of the wastage of public
funds during the debate on the Budget 2008. He said promises of action were still insufficient and
called on the Prime Minister to convene an emergency sitting on the economy to repair the damage
done to the national coffers. Five prime ministers had promised action every time these reports were
issued, but nothing came of them, he said. Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS - Marang) suggested
that the Government repair the shortcomings pointed out in the A-G’s report. “We must offer help and
educate them. Afterwards, the government officials should receive guidance. “If mistakes happen or
carelessness occurs, then we should hold a domestic inquiry and punish those responsible for the
financial wastage,” he added.
Pertinently, Datuk Ahmad Hamzah (BN - Jasin) questioned why things were kept quiet between the
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discovery of the mistakes/abuses and the tabling of the report in Parliament. “If the Government
lets things be, the offenders might continue to commit their wrongdoings unperturbed.” Ahmad
suggested that auditors not only be responsible for digging out information on the mismanagement
of public funds but also teach and guide those who might have done wrong. “The auditors should
demand an explanation on the spot. Instead, they conduct the audit, disappear and then later ask for
an explanation via a letter. “After a long lapse of time, the report comes out. By then, the damage is
done,” he said.
Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan (BN - Kota Belud) said the A-G’s department should organise an “exit
conference” for an explanation from public officials on what drove them to pay excessive amounts
for equipment. Abdul Rahman said in many cases of internal auditing, the A-G’s officers might
concentrate on certain areas where there was a suspicion of mismanagement of funds. It did not
reflect the ineffectiveness of the whole department, he said, adding he supported the A-G’s report.
But what happened now was that it gave a very bad impression and it was “meloyakan (nauseating)”,
he added. Ahmad said the Government should filter the annual report before it was made public so
that the country was not embarrassed.
Dr Lee Boon Chye (PKR - Gopeng) said the A-G’s report did give public officials an opportunity to
explain what went wrong. “Unfortunately, we do not see action being taken even though the report is
so thick. “If the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has no work, it can look through the reports
and have enough work for decades. “And I do not see how anybody can justify the purchase of a
RM42,320 laptop computer,” he said.
On another matter, Independent MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali took a swipe at Anwar, who had earlier spoken
about frogs who remained ignorant of the democratic process. (Ibrahim won his seat on a PAS ticket
but is now seen as a bitter rival of the Islamic party.) The fiery MP spoke at length about frogs and
green flies. “Frogs that live under the coconut shell only jump from one padi field to another padi field
nearby. “They don’t go far like wanting to go to America,” he said. Ibrahim also took a jibe at PAS,
saying that while frogs were harmless, green flies had been known to carry dangerous diseases. No
matter how dangerous the green flies were, the frog could easily catch the flies, he added.
The House recorded its condolences to the victims of the suspension bridge collapse in Perak on
Monday.However, it rejected an Opposition motion to debate the tragedy. Deputy Speaker Datuk
Ronald Kiandee said a special investigative committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Education
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had already been formed.However, he allowed them to include
the matter during the Budget 2010 debate. The MPs were reminded that the budget debate would
continue until Nov 5, after which the respective ministries would give their replies.
Monday November 2, 2009
Govt Heads Should Explain ‘Irregularities’
KUALA LUMPUR: The Institute of Integrity Malaysia (IIM) has recommended that heads of government
agencies reprimanded in the Auditor-General’s Report 2008 explain the irregularities to the public.
“This is crucial in terms of transparency, so that the people receive clear and accurate information on
issues raised in Parliament recently pertaining to the report,” IIM president Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh
said in a statement yesterday.
He said by doing so, the negative perception against public service could be addressed. “This
happens every year. The lack of supervision and weak monitoring have caused the Government
to lose billions of ringgit,” he said. He also said the whistle-blowers should be given appropriate
protection by the Government. — Bernama
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3 November 2009 (Selasa)
‘Usah Ulangi Kesilapan Pengurusan Dana Awam’
PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin mengingatkan kakitangan awam supaya tidak mengulangi
kesilapan membabitkan pengurusan dana awam seperti teguran dalam laporan Ketua Audit Negara,
baru-baru ini. Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, jika kesilapan seumpama itu masih diulangi,
bermakna teguran Ketua Audit Negara itu tidak memberi kesan dan rakyat akan menganggap
kerajaan tidak serius dalam membanteras penyelewengan. “Semua ketua jabatan dan agensi pada
peringkat Pusat, negeri dan daerah perlu diingatkan bahawa teguran Ketua Audit Negara bukan
sesuatu perkara biasa. Kalau kerap dibangkitkan dan masih berulang (kesilapan), mungkin rakyat
kata kita (kerajaan) tidak serius. “Kita tidak mahu laporan Ketua Audit Negara seolah-olah tidak diberi
perhatian. Saya percaya laporan itu tidak boleh diabaikan dan berharap tindakan serta perkara yang
didedahkan diberi perhatian serius.
“Kalau tidak diberi perhatian langsung, mungkin kesilapan berulang dan ini nanti menunjukkan ia
tidak diberi tumpuan sepenuhnya. Nanti orang kata langsung tidak ada tindakan terhadap pegawai
yang melakukan kesilapan,” katanya ketika berucap pada majlis perhimpunan bulanan Kementerian
Pelajaran, di sini, semalam. Hadir sama Timbalan Menteri Pelajaran, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong dan
Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi; Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Pelajaran, Tan Sri Dr Zulkarnain Awang
dan Ketua Pengarah Pelajaran, Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom. Muhyiddin yang juga Menteri Pelajaran
berkata, penjawat awam mesti memberi perhatian serius dalam segala urusan yang diamanahkan
pada setiap tahun, lebih-lebih lagi untuk memastikan Bidang Keberhasilan Utama Negara (NKRA)
dan Petunjuk Prestasi Utama (KPI) dalam kerajaan dicapai termasuk membabitkan Kementerian
Pelajaran.
“Bukan mudah untuk mencapai NKRA yang ditetapkan kalau tidak diberi tumpuan khusus. NKRA
dapat disempurnakan apabila menjalankan tugas dan tanggungjawab lebih daripada biasa. ‘Malah,
saya berhasrat untuk melihat Kementerian Pelajaran menjadi kementerian terkemuka dengan
mencapai hasil dan kejayaan cemerlang dalam NKRA,” katanya.
Selain itu, beliau berkata, Kementerian Pelajaran akan menggunakan Bajet 2010 sebanyak
RM30 bilion untuk melahirkan tenaga dan modal insan bagi memenuhi permintaan semua sektor
pekerjaan di negara ini. Katanya, kakitangan kementerian itu perlu memberi tumpuan kepada tugas
yang diberikan dengan menunjukkan sikap lebih berdedikasi dan berkesan serta memberi fokus
sepenuhnya bagi mencapai sasaran. Muhyiddin turut menyerahkan Jalur Gemilang kepada kontinjen
Malaysia yang menyertai Kejohanan World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2009 di Pohang, Korea Selatan
bermula dari 6 hingga 8 November ini.
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6 November 2009 (Jumaat)
SPRM Pulau Pinang Siasat Tiga Urus Niaga Bermasalah
LANGKAWI: Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) Pulau Pinang membuka kertas
siasatan membabitkan sekurang-kurangnya tiga urus niaga yang dikenal pasti bermasalah oleh
Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008, yang dikeluarkan baru-baru ini. Pengarahnya, Datuk Latifah Md
Yatim, berkata ia termasuk teguran Ketua Audit Negara, Tan Sri Amrin Buang berhubung beberapa
perbelanjaan yang dianggap mencurigakan bagi beberapa projek di Pulau Pinang. Difahamkan, dua
urus niaga itu membabitkan pembelian komputer oleh Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara serta penggantian
tayar kenderaan milik kerajaan negeri yang dianggap mencurigakan.
Dua urus niaga lagi dikatakan membabitkan pembelian minyak yang tidak munasabah oleh Pejabat
Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri serta penggunaan kad inden. “Buat masa sekarang, siasatan tertumpu
kepada projek terbabit. Bagaimanapun, kita akan teliti jika ada projek lain yang turut mempunyai
masalah mengikut bidang kuasa dan akta SPRM,” katanya ketika ditemui pada Majlis Penutup
Seminar Penguatkuasaan Undang-Undang Berintegriti Agensi Penguatkuasa Zon Utara 2009, di sini,
semalam.
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Thursday November 5, 2009
Government To Take Action Against Errant Officers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will take action against officers who mismanaged public funds
as highlighted in the Auditor-General’s Report 2008, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd
Sidek Hassan said. Mohd Sidek, who chaired the task force meeting to investigate and determine the
type of action to be taken against those found guilty, said there were four types of action that could
be taken. They are: surcharge under the Financial Procedure Act 1957; disciplinary action under
Chapter D of the General Orders Public Officer Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993; civil or
criminal action and investigations by police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
In view of this, police will also be included as member of the task force. The meeting also agreed
that all cases highlighted in the A-G’s report concerning abuse of power, corruption and public funds
mismanagement should be investigated. “The actions taken will be based on clear and strong facts.
Officers found blatantly committing the offences shall be punished,” Mohd Sidek said in a statement
yesterday.
“In this regard, members of the task force should also take into consideration the Prime Minister’s
reminder that action should not be exercised in cases where an officer made certain decisions in
good faith, committing honest and unintentional mistakes or the mistake happening beyond one’s
control.” The task force can also suggest procedures for higher transparency level and the best
administration in the Government’s financial management. Mohd Sidek said members of the task
force would meet every week and plan to complete investigations for all cases by April 2010.
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9 November 2009 (Ahad)
Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008: SPRM Buka 41 Fail Siasatan
KUALA LUMPUR 9 Nov. - Sehingga hari ini Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) telah
membuka 41 fail siasatan berhubung pendedahan yang dibuat Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008.
Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz berkata, beliau yakin
SPRM akan melaksanakan tugasnya dengan profesional dan telus bagi membawa pihak terbabit
ke muka pengadilan. Sehubungan itu, beliau meminta semua pihak bersabar dan memberi peluang
kepada SPRM untuk melaksanakan tugas mereka dengan lancar tanpa sebarang tekanan, katanya
sewaktu menggulung perbahasan Bajet 2010 di Dewan Rakyat hari ini. - Utusan
10 November 2009 (Selasa)
SPRM Buka 41 fail Laporan Ketua Audit
SURUHANJAYA Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) sudah membuka 41 fail membabitkan
siasatan jenayah dan kajian prosedur berhubung Laporan Ketua Audit Negara 2008, kata Menteri di
Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz. Nazri berkata, beliau yakin SPRM akan melaksanakan
tugasnya dengan profesional dan telus bagi membawa pihak terbabit ke muka pengadilan, jika
terdapat bukti yang mencukupi. “Saya harap semua pihak bersabar dan memberi peluang kepada
SPRM untuk melaksanakan tugas mereka dengan lancar tanpa sebarang tekanan,” katanya ketika
menggulung perbahasan Bajet 2010 di Dewan Rakyat, semalam.
Beliau berkata, semua pihak tidak perlu meragui kesungguhan SPRM untuk mengambil tindakan
berhubung pendedahan Laporan Ketua Audit Negara. “Ini dibuktikan pada tahun lalu, seramai 15
orang dituduh di mahkamah atas 94 pertuduhan. “Di samping itu, sebanyak 18 laporan tata tertib dan
surat nasihat sudah dikeluarkan kepada jabatan,” katanya.
Sementara itu, Nazri berkata, satu memorandum Jemaah Menteri sedang disediakan berkenaan
cadangan penubuhan Jawatankuasa Pembaharuan Undang-Undang Malaysia yang akan
dipengerusikan Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Liew Vui Keong. “Bahagian
Penyemakan dan Pembaharuan undang-Undang, Jabatan Peguam Negara akan terbabit sama
dalam jawatankuasa itu,” katanya.
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10 November (Tuesday)
At The Dewan Rakyat Yesterday - ‘Trains Cost Too Much’
THE federal double-tracking project came under intense fire from backbenchers, with the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) being urged to investigate the Transport Minister responsible
for possible corruption. Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading), who did not mention any names, said
it was very suspicious that the four diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains cost RM30 million when similar
trains bought by Argentina and Costa Rica were only one-third the cost. He said he had heard that
the ministry had gone ahead with the purchase despite opposition from the board of Keretapi Tanah
Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
“This raises a big question. Already there is no money, but you buy broken down things at a higher
price than other countries. “I urge the MACC to investigate this minister. If there is misappropriation,
drag him to court. Charge him. MACC said they want to study all elected representatives, so study
this minister first... investigate from A to Z why he bought (the trains) at a higher price,” he said,
interjecting during the winding-up speech by deputy Transport Minister Datuk Robert Lau.
Earlier, Datuk Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau) pointed out that the purchase did not follow specifications and
regulations. Datuk Ahmad Hamzah (BN-Jasin) said the whole point of the double-tracking project
was to accommodate high-speed trains that could go up to 120kph. He found the decision to buy the
DMUs strange, as the machine only has a top speed of 80kph as opposed to KTM’s other stock of
trains that top out at 90 kph.
Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique (BN-Tenggara) questioned the rationale for buying the four DMUs
as KTMB had already decided to switch to Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains. She asked how long
the DMUs could last, considering that the machines were already 20 years old and whether or not
they had lower maintenance costs. Lau said the government had to buy the DMUs as it did not have
enough money to purchase the EMUs. “Because of lack of funds we cannot completely change to
the expensive trains,” he said.
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11 November (Wednesday)
Study Audit Reports To Prevent Abuse : A-G
GUA MUSANG: Civil servants’ failure to study audit reports by the respective departments has led
to dishonesty, abuse and incurred the government additional project cost. Auditor-General Tan Sri
Ambrin Buang said contents of the audit reports would help civil servants to avoid repeating the same
mistakes. “The audit reports can improve performance in line with the government’s thrifty policy.
Poor planning by departments and agencies will lead to wastage,” he said after being briefed by the
South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) here today.
The auditor-general said abuse in spending government expenditure wouldaffect the people who
were in need basic facilities. “Rural people are counting on the government to implement more
projects forthe poor like housing and roads. Dishonest civil servants who plan projects not according
to needs will only burden the government with additional cost.”
Ambrin said the visit was not a fault finding mission but to ensure transparency in project implementation.
He reminded civil servants to monitor contractors so that the projects could be completed according
to schedule. “Many may consider a delay of two to three months as normal but for transparency, this
must be avoided as it incurs additional cost,” he added. –Bernama.
12 November (Thursday)
‘Study Reports To Avoid Same Mistakes’
GUA MUSANG: The failure of civil servants to study audit reports has led to dishonesty and abuse.
It has also incurred additional project costs. Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang said contents of
the audit reports would help civil servants avoid repeating the same mistakes. “The audit reports can
improve performance. Poor planning by departments and agencies will lead to wastage,” he said
after a briefing by the South Kelantan Development Authority here yesterday.
He said abuse of government funds would affect people who were in need of basic facilities. “Rural
people are counting on the government to implement projects for the poor. Dishonest civil servants
who plan projects not according to needs will only burden the government with additional costs.”
Ambrin said the visit was not a fault-finding mission but to ensure transparency in project implementation.
He reminded civil servants to monitor contractors so that the projects could be completed according
to schedule.
Friday November 13, 2009
MACC Probe On Rail Project Is On, Says Nazri
AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT - Reports by LEE YUK PENG, ZULKUFLI ABD RAHMAN AND JOSHUA
FOONG
MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri’s Aziz has confirmed that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is launching a probe on the Ipoh-Rawang electrification and
double-tracking rail project, which registered a cost overrun of RM1.14bil. “The MACC has informed
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me that they will investigate the case based on the Public Accounts Committee inquiry on the matter,”
he said at Parliament lobby yesterday. The latest Auditor-General’s report stated that the Government
might have to bear part of the RM1.14bil loss. Meanwhile, the Kelantan PAS Youth handed over a
memorandum on oil royalty to Nazri yesterday.
This followed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s announcement on Nov 4 that the Federal
Government would issue compassionate payment (wang ehsan) to Kelantan for oil extracted off its
waters. State Youth chief Abdul Latif Abdul Rahman said the memorandum demanded that royalty
payments be made in accordance with the Petroleum Development Act. “We are also demanding that
Najib apologises to the people of Kelantan for denying their right to oil royalty,” he said.
Tuesday November 17, 2009
Letter - Punish The Wrongdoers In A-G’s Report
NO doubt the Auditor-General’s Report has got tongues wagging again throughout the country. The
report is littered with examples of mismanagement, malpractices and at times blatant corruption.
The Deputy Prime Minister has said that he will ensure that the wrongdoers return every ringgit that
has been siphoned off come what may. While we welcome this, it is at the same time disappointing
that the Government’s response to the report is inadequate. Reinstating the losses is only half the
story. If a bank robber is caught, is it sufficient that we ask him to return the loot for his freedom?
The more important half is the punishment for the criminal activity. If we were to close an eye to the
misappropriation of funds we would, in reality, be condoning corrupt practices.
The surprising part of the A-G’s Report is that it is boring to read. It seems to be a repetition of
catalogues of mismanagement year in and year out. And our response seems to be stereotyped year
in and year out. When are we going to say enough is enough and put an end to all these shenanigans?
Our standing in the International Corruption Index is pretty dismal, and our foreign direct investments
are at a low ebb. Foreigners are business people and they naturally are very concerned about where
they put their money. If a country is seen to be in a quagmire of mismanagement, they would shy
away. We have always maintained that the rule of law is the cornerstone of our democracy. We must
now walk the talk. We must not only get the courts to retrieve our losses but also see to it that they are
tried to the full extent of the law.
DR A SOORIAN, Seremban.
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No. 15, Aras 1-5
Persiaran Perdana, Presint 2
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62518, Putrajaya
MALAYSIA
Tel: +(603) 8889 9000 Faks: +(603) 8888 9761
Website: www.audit.gov.my

reaksi terhadap laporan ketua audit negara 2008

Transcription

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