Similar mistakes, negligence continues yearly in AG's report, says Anwar

PUTRAJAYA - Cabinet ministers are told to scrutinise the 2021 Auditor-General's Report closely to stop similar leakages from happening every year.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the review included expenditures, leaks and acquisitions that did not meet the conditions and regulations.

"The Auditor-General's Report has given its recommendations but similar mistakes or negligence continues yearly," Anwar said in a press conference at the Perdana Putra Building, here, on Wednesday.

He said the audit report was received by the Cabinet, but it was yet to be revealed.

"I believe the National Audit Department will announce it when the time is right and table it at the upcoming Parliamentary session," he said.

He said the report was important to identify problems in the ministries, departments and government agencies.

"We will give a chance for the bodies (agencies) to answer, they always have reasonable answers," he said.

Anwar said civil servants were reminded to maintain their integrity and work efficiency.

"I remember a time where the education ministry faced several accusations regarding the pricing of textbooks, but if it's a small case then a compound or warning could be issued," he said.

Anwar commented on the warnings given to ministers and senior officials stating it should be done through the correct channels instead of the mass media.

"We have the mechanism and daily meetings enabling officers to present their views.

"If it's slightly offensive then maybe the meeting can be done separately," he said.

Anwar said transparency in public administration must be commented on.

"With the Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, I will always ask for advice whether my orders were in line with the rules and are appropriate," he said.

Anwar asked the civil servants in a meeting on Monday to reprimand the unity government if they were found to be violating the law.