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REAKSI TERHADAP LAPORAN KETUA AUDIT NEGARA 2008

Jabatan Audit Negara

LaporanMedia MediaBerkaitan BerkaitanLKAN LKAN 2008 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. Jabatan Audit Negara 106

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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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20 October 2009 (Tuesday)

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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20 October 2009 (Tuesday)

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 Jabatan Audit Negara 119

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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.” Jabatan Audit Negara 120

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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.” Jabatan Audit Negara 121

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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 Jabatan Audit Negara 125

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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 Jabatan Audit Negara 126

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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.

Monday October 26, 2009

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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Monday October 26, 2009

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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Monday October 26, 2009 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 Jabatan Audit Negara 133

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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. Jabatan Audit Negara 136

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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 Jabatan Audit Negara 137

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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. Jabatan Audit Negara 138

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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 Jabatan Audit Negara 139

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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 Jabatan Audit Negara 141

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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 Jabatan Audit Negara 142

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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 Jabatan Audit Negara 151

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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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Jabatan Audit Negara 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