PJ City Council's accounts are in order
PJ City Council's accounts are in order
PJ City Council's accounts are in order
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Tuesday October 2, 2007<strong>PJ</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council’s <strong>accounts</strong> <strong>are</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>order</strong>By K.W. MAKTHE Petal<strong>in</strong>g Jaya <strong>City</strong> Council’s (MB<strong>PJ</strong>) account has been approved forthe third consecutive year by the Auditor General. <strong>PJ</strong> mayor MohamadRoslan Sakiman said the council’s audited <strong>accounts</strong> were sent to theAG’s office <strong>in</strong> June and the approval was given on Aug 19. MB<strong>PJ</strong><strong>accounts</strong> department director Sa’diyah Khasiman said the council hasmanaged to decrease its arrears to RM42 mil by the end of 2006 andexpects to further reduce the amount to RM30mil by the end of 2007.The arrears owed to MB<strong>PJ</strong> were listed as RM50.6mil on Feb 28, 2006.“We have been given the directive by the state government to reduceour arrears and the target to collect monies owed to us is 90% rate forcurrent due payments and 70% for arrears from previous years,” saidSa’diyah. On another matter, MB<strong>PJ</strong> has given Alam Flora the packageto clean up bills and stickers that <strong>are</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly be<strong>in</strong>g used to defacepublic property.Mohamad Roslan did not mention the cost for the new package butsaid it was all part of the cost to clean dra<strong>in</strong>s and public <strong>are</strong>as underthe jurisdiction of the council. “The clean<strong>in</strong>g of these stickers will onlybeg<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> November as Alam Flora is currently work<strong>in</strong>g out aga<strong>in</strong> thezone coverage for each <strong>are</strong>a,” he said.MB<strong>PJ</strong> enforcement department assistant director Mohd Fauzi Maaropsaid council officers could only slap a f<strong>in</strong>e of RM250 to those caughtputt<strong>in</strong>g up the bills. “We tried go<strong>in</strong>g after the advertiser, but thestickers conta<strong>in</strong> no addresses,” he said, referr<strong>in</strong>g to the stickers thatadvertised mostly money lend<strong>in</strong>g services.Mohd Fauzi said the enforcement team tried call<strong>in</strong>g 10 differentnumbers but could not trace the person or the office the companieswere operat<strong>in</strong>g from.
Wednesday October 3, 2007Please check on cost of watchtowersI REFER to “Samy: Motorcyclists may be banned from expressways”(The Star Onl<strong>in</strong>e, Oct 1).We <strong>are</strong> still reel<strong>in</strong>g from the Auditor-General’s report showcas<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>appropriate spend<strong>in</strong>g of public funds, and now we have the WorksM<strong>in</strong>ister himself announc<strong>in</strong>g the build<strong>in</strong>g of 16 watchtowers for thePolice at a cost of RM1mil (which amounts to RM62,500 each).I th<strong>in</strong>k even a low- to medium-cost landed house with all the amenitieswould cost less, depend<strong>in</strong>g on where it is situated. I would alsoimag<strong>in</strong>e that the observation towers <strong>are</strong> on government reserve landlocated <strong>in</strong> out of town <strong>are</strong>as.Can an appropriate agency (not JKR of course) please <strong>in</strong>vestigate thecost?Perhaps it can also come up with a breakdown of the cost ofma<strong>in</strong>tenance (its nature and for how long and how often) for the<strong>in</strong>formation of the public. The Works M<strong>in</strong>ister also said that motoristsmust make sure they slow down at least 3km to 4km near the towers.Aren’t we <strong>are</strong> supposed to drive at the required speed at all times andnot out of fear of the observation towers?CKH,Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Sunday October 7, 2007Civil service danc<strong>in</strong>g to the same old tuneBY HARIATI AZIZANTHE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has found a “lack of f<strong>in</strong>ancialdiscipl<strong>in</strong>e” among government officers <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial management.Describ<strong>in</strong>g their account<strong>in</strong>g procedures as unsatisfactory, the PACrecommended tighter control over the expenditure of m<strong>in</strong>istries andgovernment departments. This, as some may have already guessed, waslifted from an old PAC report – a 1994 report on the Federal GovernmentAccounts. This has been the familiar tune where government audit isconcerned, as recent weeks have shown. And more than a decade on, thecivil service still appears to be <strong>in</strong>flicted by the same “<strong>in</strong>discipl<strong>in</strong>e”, prompt<strong>in</strong>gthe current PAC to conduct similar <strong>in</strong>vestigations. On Friday, a meet<strong>in</strong>g washeld with one of the highlighted “culprits” – the first of many <strong>in</strong> PAC’s plan –the Youth and Sports M<strong>in</strong>istry. The m<strong>in</strong>istry was alleged to have spentRM8.39mil on equipment for its National Youth Skills <strong>in</strong>stitutes.Among the “<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g” items bought at jacked-up prices that werehighlighted by the media were a set of four screwdrivers cost<strong>in</strong>g RM224(comp<strong>are</strong>d to RM40 market price), RM1,146.56 technical pen set (marketprice: RM160) and two tower cranes priced at RM5.72mil (market price:RM2.98mil). Represented by a seven-man cont<strong>in</strong>gent headed by itssecretary-general Datuk Mohd Yass<strong>in</strong> Mohd Salleh, the m<strong>in</strong>istry presentedevidence to expla<strong>in</strong> the reason for the overspend<strong>in</strong>g. Said PAC chairmanDatuk Shahrir Abdul Samad, the meet<strong>in</strong>g showed the excess cost <strong>in</strong>curred bythe construction of the National Youth Skills Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Institute (IKBN) and thesupply of equipment was due to the m<strong>in</strong>istry’s practice of directnegotiations. “There was no sufficient monitor<strong>in</strong>g by the m<strong>in</strong>istry (Youth andSports) and the F<strong>in</strong>ance M<strong>in</strong>istry,” Shahrir said, which led to excessspend<strong>in</strong>g.Direct negotiationIn the future, he added, to avoid problems such as f<strong>in</strong>ancial irregularitiesaris<strong>in</strong>g from the poor monitor<strong>in</strong>g of projects, the number of governmentcontracts be<strong>in</strong>g awarded through direct negotiations should be reducedexcept for those requir<strong>in</strong>g specific expertise. “The direct negotiation approachshould only be conducted when the number of people who <strong>are</strong> able toimplement a particular project is limited. Why do we need to resort to directnegotiations when many parties (contractors) can do it? “This is ak<strong>in</strong> to firstcome first served or whom you know matters. We must avoid this sort ofth<strong>in</strong>g as it conveys negative vibes. By limit<strong>in</strong>g the number of projectsawarded via direct negotiations, the contractors, suppliers and our
us<strong>in</strong>essmen will be more professional. “And this is how Malaysia canbecome more competitive,” he told reporters after chair<strong>in</strong>g the meet<strong>in</strong>g.He added that the PAC would ask the F<strong>in</strong>ance M<strong>in</strong>istry to reveal the list ofprojects awarded through direct negotiations under the N<strong>in</strong>th Malaysia Plan(9MP). The PAC also urged the Auditor General’s Department and F<strong>in</strong>anceM<strong>in</strong>istry’s monitor<strong>in</strong>g and control division to form <strong>in</strong>ternal audit committeesfor all projects awarded on a direct negotiation basis. Shahrir said theF<strong>in</strong>ance M<strong>in</strong>istry should th<strong>in</strong>k of a mechanism to determ<strong>in</strong>e reasonable profitmarg<strong>in</strong>s for companies provid<strong>in</strong>g supplies and services to the Government.In the meantime, the PAC will hold brief<strong>in</strong>gs with all other m<strong>in</strong>istries thatwere cited <strong>in</strong> the report. The PAC also supported the recommended punitivecrime punishment for civil servants who waste public funds whenimplement<strong>in</strong>g projects. This is provided for under the F<strong>in</strong>ancial ProceduresAct 1957, he said, which stipulated that a surcharge could be imposed ongovernment officers found responsible for any improper payment of publicmoney.“It is thus important for officers to protect themselves <strong>in</strong> such directnegotiations,” he said. “We want officers to be accountable and responsiblefor actions and decisions.” However, PAC vice-chairman Dr Tan Seng Giawconceded that although the PAC could haul up anyone, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>isters, toexpla<strong>in</strong> any irregularities after the AG has presented his report, noth<strong>in</strong>g muchcan be done. “If they (the departments) can escape, they will,” said the DAPMember of Parliament. “The PAC is as effective as the chairman. But hishands and feet <strong>are</strong> tied whether he likes it or not,” said Tan, who feels thatPAC should be led by an opposition MP, as is the case <strong>in</strong> Brita<strong>in</strong> and India, forit to be more effective.Check and balanceRecent history <strong>in</strong>dicates that this might just be true; for example, <strong>in</strong> 2000,most of the recommendations made by the PAC were not acted on due to alack of will and a proper follow-up mechanism.Shahrir, however, believes that the public should be happy that there issome sort of check and balance mechanism <strong>in</strong> place.“The PAC is as good as all its members. The auditor-general’s report ispublished year <strong>in</strong> and year out but it gets attention only when it is treatedlike a big th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the media. It is to the credit of the Government to have acheck and balance mechanism <strong>in</strong> the system, especially to monitor f<strong>in</strong>ancialmanagement issues,” he said.The PAC, he assured, would cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>in</strong>to the allegations andpass on the evidence to the relevant agencies, such as the Anti CorruptionAgency, if there is any proof of crime.
Sunday October 7, 2007Mammoth task, little impactBy JOSEPH LOH and RASHVINJEET S.BEDIsunday@thestar.com.mySo much work goes <strong>in</strong>to the process of audit<strong>in</strong>g governmentagencies. Yet, after the Auditor-General’s annual report ispublished, the public outcry over the mismanagement of fundsovershadows the rather pathetic follow-up.WHEN audit officers with Auditor-General's (AG) department call on agovernment agency, no one stands <strong>in</strong> their way. In fact, gett<strong>in</strong>g complianceto conduct audit work is easy. The reason for this is that the AG's duties <strong>are</strong>mandated by law under the Audit Act 1957 and prevent<strong>in</strong>g audit officers fromcarry<strong>in</strong>g out their duties is an offence. “People understand what thedepartment has to do, and the only people who fear or dislike them <strong>are</strong> theones who have someth<strong>in</strong>g to hide,” says former deputy AG L.T. Kulas<strong>in</strong>gam.“Officers can walk <strong>in</strong> anytime as they all carry authority cards. However,surprise checks <strong>are</strong> r<strong>are</strong>ly done; such checks would only <strong>in</strong>volve centres thathandle a lot of cash,” he adds. Expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the depth and breadth of the AG’sdepartment’s scope of work, he says they exam<strong>in</strong>e the <strong>accounts</strong> of theGovernment, and review a wide range of activities and projects which <strong>are</strong> ofpublic <strong>in</strong>terest.Two levels of auditAll the work lead<strong>in</strong>g up to the preparation of the annual AG's report is huge.The department’s scope and nature of work <strong>in</strong>volves audit<strong>in</strong>g numerousm<strong>in</strong>istries, departments, statutory bodies, and many other agencies thatmake up the Government, down to district levels. “The task is immense. Notonly is there geographical spread, but factors like volume, dispersion and thevarious types of activities <strong>are</strong> exam<strong>in</strong>ed. It is a whole gamut of th<strong>in</strong>gs –records, people, projects, contracts transactions, <strong>accounts</strong>, so the task isvery large, varied and fraught with problems.”Kulas<strong>in</strong>gam expla<strong>in</strong>s that the audit is done at two levels – <strong>in</strong> terms off<strong>in</strong>ancial and compliance and the other, performance. For the former aspect,it exam<strong>in</strong>es all <strong>accounts</strong>, systems and processes, procedures, and compliancewith the laws, rules and regulations. This will cover all manner of
transactions, expenditure, revenue, payrolls, <strong>in</strong>ventories, and so on. Giventhe enormity of f<strong>in</strong>ancial records, it uses statistical sampl<strong>in</strong>g methods, whichexam<strong>in</strong>es a low percentage of the population but provides a high percentageof assurance.Additionally, it also does judgemental sampl<strong>in</strong>g, which basically looks athigh-risk <strong>are</strong>as, delayed and failed projects, waste and extravagance, andmatters of primary concern <strong>in</strong> the public <strong>in</strong>terest – the now-scrapped secondl<strong>in</strong>k bridge with S<strong>in</strong>gapore, for example.Plann<strong>in</strong>g processTo carry out this task requires thorough plann<strong>in</strong>g, just like <strong>in</strong> any otherprivate corporation. “Before an audit is carried out, a great deal of plann<strong>in</strong>gis <strong>in</strong>volved. We have to select from a wide range of priorities and high-risk<strong>are</strong>as. For each audit, audit programmes <strong>are</strong> developed. The department alsodevelops an Annual Audit Plan and a Long Term Audit Plan for all auditactivities,” he says. Given the thoroughness of the report and the manyirregularities it uncovers, the question that arises is the subsequent actiontaken as a result of its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs.“Before anyth<strong>in</strong>g goes <strong>in</strong>to the report, it is sent to the departments and them<strong>in</strong>istry it falls under for a response. Noth<strong>in</strong>g gets <strong>in</strong>to the report without therelevant m<strong>in</strong>istry or department's response. If there is a disagreement, boththe audit f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g and the response <strong>are</strong> <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the report. This balancedreport<strong>in</strong>g will enable the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to make adecision when deliberat<strong>in</strong>g the report.” Kulas<strong>in</strong>gam remarks that the reportdoes not have to be published before any action is taken. The moment theirregularity is uncovered – sometimes months before the report is published– it is communicated to the head of department and the m<strong>in</strong>istry concerned,and he believes that action should have been taken immediately.“If there is fraud and crim<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong>tent is proven, it is the duty of the controll<strong>in</strong>gofficer to report to the police.” As for the report itself, it appears that thereis a def<strong>in</strong>itive course of action that can, and has to be taken to ensure theeffectiveness of the report. Yeo Yang Poh, immediate past president of theMalaysian Bar council, believes that the report should be thoroughly studiedby the Government, police as well as the Anti Corruption Agency (ACA) sothat they can take different angles of <strong>in</strong>vestigation simultaneously.He does not discount the value of the report, but questions the lack of actiontaken on its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs. “We <strong>are</strong> fortunate that we have an <strong>in</strong>dependent andprofessional AG's department that does the job and puts on recordirregularities they discover – that has value, but lacks effectiveness,” addsYeo. “These <strong>are</strong> public funds and it concerns people who <strong>are</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>ister<strong>in</strong>gthe public trust, and that trust has been breached.
Impartial probe“It is a question of a lack of accountability <strong>in</strong> a consistent and major way.Accountability can only be accurately determ<strong>in</strong>ed after a thorough andimpartial <strong>in</strong>vestigation.” He adds that the same improprieties <strong>are</strong> happen<strong>in</strong>gevery year. Some action is taken <strong>in</strong> a smaller form, that of <strong>in</strong>ternal or smallercases, but to his knowledge, there has been no mean<strong>in</strong>gful or major actiontaken aga<strong>in</strong>st any party.If similar discrepancies were found of an account<strong>in</strong>g or law firm, it wouldhave been suspended or some form of action taken aga<strong>in</strong>st it. GursharanS<strong>in</strong>gh, a retired audit officer who worked with the Government for more than30 years, says that many government departments and m<strong>in</strong>istries send theirlower rank<strong>in</strong>g officials to answer the questions if hauled up. PAC vicechairmanDr Tan Seng Giaw however, disagrees. “They have to send theirdirector-general or secretary-general. There is no other way. We have sent afew people back before.” Unfortunately, not much more transpires beyondthe PAC query.Short memory“Sadly, the public has a short memory and only makes noise when theproblems <strong>are</strong> highlighted <strong>in</strong> the media. Someone should give a status reporton what's go<strong>in</strong>g on,” says Gursharan. He cites the example of the BritishPAC which makes public their proceed<strong>in</strong>gs on the Internet.(www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmpubacc.htm)Here, anyone can browse documents of the PAC with the most recentlypublished document at the top of each section. It's a shame when so muchwork comes practically to nought when those responsible formismanagement get away scot free. Transp<strong>are</strong>ncy International Malaysiapresident Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam makes a valid po<strong>in</strong>t. “This is thefundamental difference between the public and private sectors. A CEO mustshow results <strong>in</strong> terms of profits, but <strong>in</strong> Government, there is no profitabilityso there is no priority. You only need to show that you <strong>are</strong> spend<strong>in</strong>g, but nothow you spend it.”“After some time, this leads to a lack of accountability and transp<strong>are</strong>ncybecause hardly anyone is penalised,” he says.
Sunday October 7, 2007Abuse of public funds highlightedKUALA LUMPUR: The Auditor-General’s report was once aga<strong>in</strong>highlighted dur<strong>in</strong>g the Gerakan National Delegates Conference 2007,with delegates say<strong>in</strong>g that such abuse of funds and corruption had tostop if the public were to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to have confidence <strong>in</strong> BarisanNasional.Perak delegate Cheng Teng Woh was the first delegate to broach theissue and said the people were worried and uncomfortable with whatwas reported, especially s<strong>in</strong>ce it happened every year.“When will these k<strong>in</strong>d of th<strong>in</strong>gs end? And when will officers who <strong>are</strong>not ethical improve? What happens to the report if no action is takenby the Government?”Cheng said the concern was how much of the RM15bil allocated for theN<strong>in</strong>th Malaysia Plan would disappear due to abuse of funds.“Transp<strong>are</strong>ncy and accountability of officers need to be improved. Theabuse has to stop and be reported to the police and Anti-CorruptionAgency.”Youth delegate Paul Yong put it more bluntly by say<strong>in</strong>g, “All officers<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> corruption must be fired.“There was a lot of money wasted. The Government paid 10 timesmore than the market price for some items.“If we want to say it frankly, it is corruption. But what is theGovernment’s action? Where <strong>are</strong> the promises that were made <strong>in</strong>2004?”
Sunday October 7, 2007Gerakan: Form BN panels to discuss pricklyissuesKUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan has proposed that Barisan Nasional formscommittees at the national, state and district levels to discuss importantissues, especially relat<strong>in</strong>g to religion, culture and ethnic relations. Act<strong>in</strong>gpresident Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the committees would be able toachieve better understand<strong>in</strong>g and coord<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> these various <strong>are</strong>as ofconcern. He said the committees could <strong>in</strong>volve party leaders and electedrepresentatives who were not hold<strong>in</strong>g any government positions.“Such a consultation model can later be expanded to <strong>in</strong>clude leaders from theprivate sector and non-governmental organisations. “The results of suchconsultations can be channelled to the Govern-ment and the Barisansupreme council and state committees,” said Dr Koh <strong>in</strong> his speech at theparty’s National Delegates Conference here yesterday. He said althoughBarisan component leaders met very often <strong>in</strong> Cab<strong>in</strong>et, state executivecouncils, and municipal and district councils, the leaders were usually busywith im-plement<strong>in</strong>g projects, solv<strong>in</strong>g urgent problems and the developmentpro-cess.“Issues that <strong>are</strong> important and can cause tension but not time-sensitive canbe discussed at length <strong>in</strong> the committees,” he said. On <strong>in</strong>tegrity, Dr Koh saidthe recent revelations by the Auditor-General’s report reflected moretransp<strong>are</strong>ncy by the Government. He said the party supported the objectives<strong>in</strong> the National Integrity Plan and urged the Government to take moreconcrete action to conduct full and <strong>in</strong>dependent <strong>in</strong>vestigations aga<strong>in</strong>st those<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> misus<strong>in</strong>g public funds.Later <strong>in</strong> a press conference, Dr Koh said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’sopen<strong>in</strong>g speech was very clear, strong and <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g, as the Prime M<strong>in</strong>isterreiterated his full commitment <strong>in</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g all Barisan component parties tocooperate.He said Abdullah also stressed that the views of all quarters must be heard.“What’s more <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g is that he wants us to tell him the truth, and he, asthe Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister, is ready to listen to advice and criticism,” he said.
Friday October 12, 2007Action aga<strong>in</strong>st those implicated <strong>in</strong> AG’s reportBy DEVID RAJAHPUTRAJAYA: Government officers and staff <strong>in</strong>vestigated for corruptionand mismanagement of public funds under the 2006 Auditor-General’s(AG) report will either be charged <strong>in</strong> court soon or face discipl<strong>in</strong>aryaction. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd SidekHassan, told a media brief<strong>in</strong>g yesterday that the Government woulduse a three-pronged approach to rectify problems highlighted underthe AG’s report.“If it <strong>in</strong>volves corruption and there is clear evidence, the ACA willcharge those responsible, and you can expect this to happen verysoon. “If there <strong>are</strong> clear abuses but the case lacks evidence,discipl<strong>in</strong>ary action will be taken aga<strong>in</strong>st them,” he said.The discipl<strong>in</strong>ary action could be <strong>in</strong> the form of demotions anddismissals. Mohd Sidek said the Government would also make publicthe type of discipl<strong>in</strong>ary action taken aga<strong>in</strong>st civil servants for variousoffences, other than the impend<strong>in</strong>g action aga<strong>in</strong>st those implicatedover the AG’s report.He said the Public Service Department would come out with a“demotion and discipl<strong>in</strong>ed” list every quarter so that the people wouldknow that action had been taken. “We have acted aga<strong>in</strong>st manyofficers and staff members. Even directors-general, secretaries-generaland super scale A officers have been demoted or moved out or optedfor early retirement. “If they don’t want to perform, they will beencouraged to leave the service.“At the same time, the Government has been reward<strong>in</strong>g hardwork<strong>in</strong>gand honest officers,” he said. The AG’s report highlighted the NationalYouth Skills Institute (under the Youth and Sports M<strong>in</strong>istry) projectwhere a car jack that cost RM50 was bought for RM5,700, a digitalcamera that cost RM2,990 was bought for RM8,254 and RM1,146 waspaid for a set of technical pens with a market price of RM160.
The m<strong>in</strong>istry was alleged to have spent RM8.39mil on equipment forits National Youth Skills Institutes. The others <strong>in</strong>clude the purchase oftwo helicopters worth RM117.75 million by the police air w<strong>in</strong>g, whichcould not be used, as they did not meet specifications. AnotherRM15.4mil was spent to tra<strong>in</strong> pilots to fly these helicopters.The Customs Department meanwhile under-utilised its RM290mil<strong>in</strong>formation technology system but was plann<strong>in</strong>g to spend anotherRM451.30mil to develop a new one. It is learnt the Anti-CorruptionAgency (ACA) has completed its <strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>in</strong>to the abuseshighlighted by the AG.ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan is said to havebriefed Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Sidekon the matter. Mohd Sidek added that the Government had alsodirected the departments and m<strong>in</strong>istries to reply to the po<strong>in</strong>tshighlighted by the AG and their answer “had better be credible.”
Monday October 15, 2007Let’s keep them honestTI-MALAYSIA strongly supports Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd SidekHassan’s statement that firm action, <strong>in</strong>-clud<strong>in</strong>g court action and/ordiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary action, will be taken aga<strong>in</strong>st the government officersresponsible for malpractices and corrupt practices as highlighted <strong>in</strong> theAuditor-General’s 2006 Report and other reports and <strong>in</strong>vestigations.We believe that the Govern-ment should fully expla<strong>in</strong> to the rakyat themeasures taken to en-sure that there is accountability and prudentmanagement of tax revenue. A strong message must go out to allconcerned that the Government will brook no corrupt practices andmismanagement. The rules of ethical behaviour should be practisedand upheld. The objectives of the Key Per-formance Indicators (KPI)and the Clients’ Charter must be met.We note the many positive measures recommended by re-view bodiessuch as Pemudah and ask that these good recommendations be fullyimplemented without delay. It is encourag<strong>in</strong>g to note that the ACA had<strong>in</strong>voked Section 32 of the Anti-corruption Act and taken action <strong>in</strong> <strong>are</strong>cent case of a lawyer alleged to have committed malpractices. Wehope this provision will be used more often as an effective measureaga<strong>in</strong>st civil servants who had amassed wealth beyond their means.Tan Sri Sidek’s present <strong>in</strong>itiative could well be a special Hari Raya giftto the rakyat <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the1.2 million civil servants because if thesemeasures prove effective, they will improve public confidence, andbolster the self-respect of the entire civil service at this festive time ofthe year. We hope these new <strong>in</strong>itiatives will br<strong>in</strong>g about a new era <strong>in</strong>the fight aga<strong>in</strong>st corruption TI-Malaysia will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to support theGovernment’s noble fight aga<strong>in</strong>st corruption and will cont<strong>in</strong>ue tocollaborate closely with agencies such as the ACA and IIM <strong>in</strong> the questto build a corrupt-free Malaysia.Tan Sri (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam,President,Transp<strong>are</strong>ncy International Malaysia.
Tuesday October 16, 2007Cuepacs aga<strong>in</strong>st ‘name and shame’ moveCUEPACS is aga<strong>in</strong>st the move to publicise the names of governmentservants who flout rules when discharg<strong>in</strong>g their duties, Tamil Nesanreported. Quot<strong>in</strong>g Cuepacs president Omar Osman, the report said anysuch <strong>in</strong>cident could be handled <strong>in</strong> a more professional manner with<strong>in</strong>the organisation. This, he said, would safeguard the image of the civilservice. He was comment<strong>in</strong>g on the action to be taken aga<strong>in</strong>st civilservants <strong>in</strong> the recently publicised wastage of funds <strong>in</strong> last year’sAuditor-General’s Report.Omar said although reveal<strong>in</strong>g the names of the errant civil servantsmight be good as far as highlight<strong>in</strong>g their negligence and mistakeswere concerned, it would affect the image and morale of the civilservice. He said transferr<strong>in</strong>g and downgrad<strong>in</strong>g of a number of errantcivil servants had already affected the service’s image andperformance. Omar said Cuepacs always protected the <strong>in</strong>terest andwelf<strong>are</strong> of its members and when unfavourable matters were exposed,it would question and discuss it at all levels.High profile trans-national crimesTamil Nesan reported that the Malaysian Interpol which is based at thefederal police headquarters <strong>in</strong> Bukit Aman has been <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong>solv<strong>in</strong>g several high profile trans-national crimes over the years. Itsaid it has scored many successes <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g solve murders <strong>in</strong> Canada,Cambodia and S<strong>in</strong>gapore; drug traffick<strong>in</strong>g and kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g cases <strong>in</strong> theUnited States; prostitution and human traffick<strong>in</strong>g cases <strong>in</strong> Canada; andcheat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Australia, Hong Kong and S<strong>in</strong>gapore.ASP Nor Omar Sappi, act<strong>in</strong>g head of Malaysia Interpol, said thedivision worked with more than 200 similar divisions <strong>in</strong> othercountries. He said that Malaysia Interpol had helped foreign policeorganisations solve eight crim<strong>in</strong>al cases, which took place abroad lastyear.Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (BahasaMalaysia, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories <strong>are</strong> grouped accord<strong>in</strong>g to therespective language/medium. Where a paragraph beg<strong>in</strong>s with a sub-head<strong>in</strong>g, itdenotes a separate news item.
Friday October 19, 2007Questions l<strong>in</strong>ger over PKFZPORT KLANG: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) wants to knowthe f<strong>in</strong>al cost of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) and how theprovisional cost of RM560mil will be spent, s<strong>in</strong>ce the project is almostcompleted. PAC chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said thecommittee was seek<strong>in</strong>g explanations from the Port Klang Authority andPKFZ on the RM2.8bil development cost, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 20% of theprovisional cost. “It (PKFZ) is practically ready now except for thehotel, exhibition centre and the ma<strong>in</strong> access road due to be done bythe end of this year. “How much of the provisional cost does it needs?We want to know the actual development cost,” he said.Shahrir said he hoped to get the answers from the authoritiesconcerned by the end of the year, when the project would becompleted. After visit<strong>in</strong>g and be<strong>in</strong>g briefed on the project at the PKFZsite yesterday, he said there were many questions stillunanswered. “Now we have confirmed the project’s existence, but westill have questions on the project,” he said after a two-hour site tourand brief<strong>in</strong>g by PKFZ bus<strong>in</strong>ess development general manger Chia KonLeong.Also present were six MPs and Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambr<strong>in</strong> Buang.When asked if he was satisfied with the visit and the explanation byPKFZ, Shahrir said: “As far as the project is concern, we <strong>are</strong> satisfied,but <strong>are</strong> not f<strong>in</strong>ished with the PKFZ yet. “We have one more meet<strong>in</strong>gwith the Attorney-General’s Chambers, only then will we decide ifthere <strong>are</strong> other <strong>are</strong>as of <strong>in</strong>quiry we have proceed with.”Other questions PAC were focus<strong>in</strong>g on were land price and execution ofthe project, he said. The PAC first met on Sept 6 to discuss the PKFZissue. Its aim is to determ<strong>in</strong>e how the PKFZ project came up toRM4.7bil <strong>in</strong> all, and also the issuance of bonds worth RM4.6bil by theSecurities Commission for a soft loan for the project.
Thursday October 18, 2007PAC still has questions on PKFZBy Christ<strong>in</strong>a TanPORT KLANG: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) wants to know the f<strong>in</strong>alcost of the Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) and how the provisional cost ofRM560mil will be spent, s<strong>in</strong>ce the project is almost completed. PAC chairmanDatuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the committee was seek<strong>in</strong>g explanationsfrom the Port Klang Authority and PKFZ on the RM2.8bil development cost,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 20% of the provisional cost. “It (PKFZ) is practically ready nowexcept for the hotel, exhibition centre and the ma<strong>in</strong> access road due to bedone by the end of this year, how much of the provisional cost does it needs?We want to know the actual development cost,” he said.Shahrir said he hoped to get the answers from the authorities concerned byyear's end, when the project would be completed. After visit<strong>in</strong>g and be<strong>in</strong>gbriefed on the project at the PKFZ site Thursday, he said there were manyquestions still unanswered. “Now we have confirmed the project’s existence,but we still have questions on the project,” he said after a two-hour site tourand brief<strong>in</strong>g by PKFZ bus<strong>in</strong>ess development general manger Chia Kon Leong.Also present were six MPs and Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambr<strong>in</strong> Buang.When asked if he was satisfied with the visit and the explanation by PKFZ,Shahrir said: “As far as the project is concern, we <strong>are</strong> satisfied, but <strong>are</strong> notf<strong>in</strong>ished with the PKFZ yet. “We have one more meet<strong>in</strong>g with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, only then will we decide if there <strong>are</strong> other <strong>are</strong>as of<strong>in</strong>quiry we have proceed with.” Shahrir said the PAC was still wait<strong>in</strong>g for asuitable date to meet with the Attorney-General to get legal op<strong>in</strong>ion on thedecision made by the Transport M<strong>in</strong>istry and Port Klang Authority to buy theland for PKFZ <strong>in</strong>stead of acquir<strong>in</strong>g it through established means.Other questions PAC were focus<strong>in</strong>g on were land price and execution of theproject, he said. “We <strong>are</strong> not anti-development, we just don’t want to seeany party tak<strong>in</strong>g advantage of the situation or any misconduct. “We supportthe government’s programme because we <strong>are</strong> also part of the system but wecannot condone corruption, over expenditure and decisions not madeaccord<strong>in</strong>g to procedure,” he added.The PAC first met on Sept 6 to discuss the PKFZ issue. Its aim is todeterm<strong>in</strong>e how the PKFZ project came up to RM4.7bil <strong>in</strong> all, and also theissuance of bonds worth RM4.6bil by the Securities Commission for a softloan for the project.
Saturday October 20, 2007ACA to act aga<strong>in</strong>st those implicated <strong>in</strong> A-G’sreportBy LOURDES CHARLESPUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency is wrapp<strong>in</strong>g up its <strong>in</strong>vestigations<strong>in</strong>to questionable deal<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g several senior officials highlighted <strong>in</strong> theAuditor-General’s (A-G) report recently. The officials, believed to be from atleast two m<strong>in</strong>istries, were said to have bought equipment that were “overlypriced”, caus<strong>in</strong>g the Government losses of millions of r<strong>in</strong>ggit.The ACA is believed to have questioned several officials before the Hari Rayaholidays and is expected to either charge them <strong>in</strong> court or recommendserious discipl<strong>in</strong>ary action. ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdanconfirmed that <strong>in</strong>vestigations were near<strong>in</strong>g completion and that action wouldbe taken aga<strong>in</strong>st several people.He decl<strong>in</strong>ed to elaborate further. Sources familiar with the <strong>in</strong>vestigations saidthey were centred on three aspects. One was on whether governmentofficers had received bribes from parties <strong>in</strong> the private sector. “The ACA isalso <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g if anyone had made false claims and also if those who hadbeen recorded as hav<strong>in</strong>g received money had actually received it.“The <strong>in</strong>vestigation will also ascerta<strong>in</strong> if the number of items supplied to thegovernment department or agency concerned matched the numbers<strong>order</strong>ed,” the sources added. They said the ACA task force <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g theA-G’s report were check<strong>in</strong>g the background of the companies from which thegoods were bought from, and those which had contracts with governmentbodies or projects awarded.They will <strong>in</strong>vestigate if there were any abuse of power by anyone, especially<strong>in</strong> the purchase or the award<strong>in</strong>g of contracts. The sources said the ACAwanted to know if any of the goods bought or contracts awarded concernedthe decision maker’s family members, relatives or proxies. Auditor-GeneralTan Sri Ambr<strong>in</strong> Buang, <strong>in</strong> his 2006 report, revealed a slew of cases <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>gpublic fund mismanagement such as pay<strong>in</strong>g RM1,146 for a set of penscost<strong>in</strong>g RM160, and fork<strong>in</strong>g out RM5,700 for a car jack worth RM50.Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan had said thatcivil servants found negligent <strong>in</strong> their duties or had committed irregularitieswould be dealt with. He said the Government took a serious view of theoffences and would not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the image of thecivil service.
Sunday October 21, 2007Act tougher aga<strong>in</strong>st errant senior officialsSunday Star SaysTHE Anti-Corruption Agency is understood to be f<strong>in</strong>alis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigations<strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g some senior government officials <strong>in</strong> at least two m<strong>in</strong>istries, asmentioned <strong>in</strong> the recent Auditor-General’s report.Once more, it is disappo<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g that more public officials have been implicated<strong>in</strong> issues of graft. However, conscientious work by the ACA should make upfor some loss <strong>in</strong> confidence, esteem and morale that charges of corruption<strong>in</strong>evitably br<strong>in</strong>g. It should not matter that senior officials have beenimplicated, other than the obvious wastage of human resources implied. Allpublic officials must always be accountable to the public <strong>in</strong>terest, and so longas the ACA conducts its <strong>in</strong>vestigations professionally, its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs must berespected and acted upon.Government officials know what is expected of them <strong>in</strong> the discharge of theirduties. They also know, or at least should know, that their actions mustalways be above reproach and seen to be so. Anyth<strong>in</strong>g less or suspect <strong>in</strong>vitesand deserves an <strong>in</strong>quiry. The current <strong>in</strong>vestigation concerns the overpric<strong>in</strong>gof equipment purchased, and covers the prospect of conflict of <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> theaward of contracts for the purchases. ACA <strong>in</strong>vestigations need to look <strong>in</strong>tovarious related aspects to ascerta<strong>in</strong> the culpability of the <strong>in</strong>dividualsconcerned.If the charges <strong>are</strong> proven aga<strong>in</strong>st these <strong>in</strong>dividuals, justice demands swiftand judicious action aga<strong>in</strong>st them. But if the <strong>in</strong>vestigation clears anysuspects, their status should also be made clear. ACA actions must always belawful and ethical at every stage. All proper <strong>in</strong>vestigations need to arrive atdist<strong>in</strong>ct, unambiguous f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs. There should not be any “grey <strong>are</strong>as” anymore than “no go <strong>are</strong>as”, because the ACA must not be impeded <strong>in</strong> its work.Any attempt to distract or deflect its <strong>in</strong>vestigations is itself an offence.In the process, the seniority of suspected <strong>in</strong>dividuals must never be anobstacle to <strong>in</strong>vestigations or to sentenc<strong>in</strong>g upon conviction. On the contrary,the more senior the public official who is charged and convicted, the moresevere the penalty should be. Senior officials <strong>are</strong> not only expected tounderstand the consequences of their actions better, they <strong>are</strong> also held <strong>in</strong>greater trust and esteem by colleagues and the public. Natural justicerequires stronger punitive and deterrent action aga<strong>in</strong>st their wrongdo<strong>in</strong>g.
Sunday October 21, 2007Let’s book the culpritsOn The BeatBy WONG CHUN WAIThose highlighted <strong>in</strong> the A-G’s report for mismanagement offunds, if found guilty by the ACA, should be penalised, notmerely transferred to another desk. Taxpayers want to see realpunitive action.JUST before the long Hari Raya break began last week, the word <strong>in</strong>Putrajaya was that the Anti-Corruption Agency would pick up severalgovernment officials once the celebrations <strong>are</strong> over. By tomorrow, themajority of these officials would be back to work. The ACA said it hadf<strong>in</strong>alised its <strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>in</strong>to questionable deals <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g officialshighlighted <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General’s report recently. So, can Malaysiantaxpayers see some arrests this week or the subsequent weeks nowthat the holidays <strong>are</strong> over?It has been reported that the officials be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigated were from atleast two m<strong>in</strong>istries said to have bought equipment that were “overlypriced”, caus<strong>in</strong>g the government losses of millions of r<strong>in</strong>ggit.Malaysians would certa<strong>in</strong>ly like to see the culprits hauled to court aswe <strong>are</strong> fed up with the mismanagement of public funds. Wetaxpayers would certa<strong>in</strong>ly like to know the person or personsresponsible for us<strong>in</strong>g our money to pay RM224 for a RM32 set ofscrewdrivers.Let’s also see the faces of those who approved RM1,146 for a set ofpens cost<strong>in</strong>g RM160 and RM5,700 for a car jack worth RM50, asoutl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the 2006 A-G’s report. The Government also paidRM8.36mil more than the market price to buy items, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gtechnical books, for the National Youth Skills Institutes. Twohelicopters worth RM117.76mil purchased by the police air w<strong>in</strong>g couldnot be used as they did not meet specifications, yet anotherRM15.4mil was spent to tra<strong>in</strong> pilots to fly these helicopters. TheCustoms Department under-utilised its RM290mil <strong>in</strong>formationtechnology system but was plann<strong>in</strong>g to spend another RM451.30mil ona new system.
Trail of abuseSurely there must be a trail that reveals misdeeds that the ACA cantrack and book these culprits. It has been reported that the ACAprobe would be centred on three aspects. One was whethergovernment officers had received bribes from parties <strong>in</strong> the privatesector. The agency was also <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g if anyone had made falseclaims and also if those who had been recorded as hav<strong>in</strong>g receivedmoney had actually received it.The <strong>in</strong>vestigation, it was reported, would also ascerta<strong>in</strong> if the numberof items supplied to the government department or agency concernedmatched the numbers <strong>order</strong>ed. We understand and appreciate thenecessity of the ACA to cover their tracks to ensure a solid caseaga<strong>in</strong>st the offenders but we hope there will be quick action aga<strong>in</strong>stthose responsible. It would also be mean<strong>in</strong>gless if only the ikan bilisor small fries <strong>are</strong> arrested <strong>in</strong> this exercise. The m<strong>in</strong>istries should atleast apologise for these fiascos if the senior officials who once headedthese m<strong>in</strong>istries have been transferred to other agencies or bodies.The refusal to take responsibility seems to be an ugly culture of someof our senior officers, who prefer to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> their silence <strong>in</strong> the hopethat such controversies would blow over once the media lose <strong>in</strong>terest.Not many senior officials have resigned for their failures, unlike those<strong>in</strong> Japan, despite Malaysia hav<strong>in</strong>g adopted the Look East policy forover 20 years. It doesn’t help that among civil servants, someperceive that their political masters <strong>are</strong> not clean and had probablymade more on the take.But Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has sent word down that civilservants who waste public funds should be punished and, if there <strong>are</strong>elements of corruption, they should be charged. He has told hislisteners, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g editors, that he encouraged media reportshighlight<strong>in</strong>g such abuses and wanted action taken. It has been adouble-edged sword for Pak Lah as such openness has caused muchuneas<strong>in</strong>ess among the powerful and <strong>in</strong>fluential, who <strong>are</strong> not used tosuch scrut<strong>in</strong>y from the top. While there have been similar A-G reports<strong>in</strong> the past, the standard practice of leav<strong>in</strong>g it to the ACA to probe hasshown little, if any, results.Dented imageThe opposition has also used the A-G reports to hit out at theleadership and, as a result, has dented the leadership’s image.Certa<strong>in</strong>ly there would be a political price, especially <strong>in</strong> urban <strong>are</strong>as,dur<strong>in</strong>g the elections.
But without doubt, Pak Lah is determ<strong>in</strong>ed to go after those who do notpractise good governance <strong>in</strong> government. For a start, the m<strong>in</strong>istriesand agencies must improve their <strong>in</strong>ternal audit systems of checks andbalances. They must learn to have more efficient controls on f<strong>in</strong>ancialexpenditures as they need to realise that the A-G would eventuallycatch up on them. A strong message from the leadership that thosewho foul up would be punished should help <strong>in</strong>culcate such a work<strong>in</strong>gculture. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly there should be preventive action but the publicrightly wants to see punitive action too.It is no good merely transferr<strong>in</strong>g offenders, particularly thosesuspected of graft, to another section or other agencies. A few yearsback, a compla<strong>in</strong>t was made aga<strong>in</strong>st a Customs officer who asked formoney without issu<strong>in</strong>g a receipt and, although the case washighlighted by the media, the person was merely transferred toanother desk.Malaysians want to see action and offenders penalised. That’s surelyfair.
Monday October 22, 2007Po<strong>in</strong>tless not to punish the guiltyWONG Chun Wai’s call for stern action on those guilty ofmismanagement of public funds, 'Let’s book the culprits' (Sunday Star,Oct 21), as disclosed <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General’s Report, is a clear call onbehalf of the rakyat.Common citizens would always rema<strong>in</strong> puzzled if such reportedirregularities <strong>are</strong> not followed up by appropriate and equitablepunishment.We hear of mothers, who stole some supermarket merchandise to feedher hungry children, be<strong>in</strong>g sent to jail. And many residents of prisons<strong>are</strong> petty thieves comp<strong>are</strong>d to people who <strong>in</strong>flate the price of ascrewdriver from RM32 to RM224 or who purchase a RM50 car jack foran astronomic price of RM5,700.The action by the ACA certa<strong>in</strong>ly re<strong>in</strong>forces the hope of the rakyat thatthe Government is do<strong>in</strong>g someth<strong>in</strong>g to clean up the system. It alsosends the message that people <strong>in</strong> power should be more c<strong>are</strong>ful andresponsible when discharg<strong>in</strong>g their duties.The Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister has often called for high moral standards amongthe people. If we cont<strong>in</strong>ue to have disappo<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g examples amongpeople who <strong>are</strong> responsible over public funds, we certa<strong>in</strong>ly cannotexpect to <strong>in</strong>duce good values <strong>in</strong> the people.Stern actions have to be taken to deter the recurrence of suchconduct, and to restore the confidence of the people.I support Wong's call that action has to be taken, as the amounts<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>are</strong> very much more than the price of a can of milk. And moreso, as it <strong>in</strong>volves the rakyat’s funds entrusted to public servants.KAY ARR,Petal<strong>in</strong>g Jaya.
Tuesday October 23, 2007ACA nabs fiveBy LOURDES CHARLESPETALING JAYA: Five people, three of whom <strong>are</strong> senior officers of twom<strong>in</strong>istries, have been deta<strong>in</strong>ed for alleged corrupt practices <strong>in</strong> caseshighlighted <strong>in</strong> the 2006 Auditor-General's Report.Two of the officers <strong>are</strong> from the Youth and Sports M<strong>in</strong>istry – one ofthem is now a director <strong>in</strong> the m<strong>in</strong>istry. The other officer is with theWomen, Family and Community Development M<strong>in</strong>istry. Also arrestedwere a consultant and a supplier who allegedly brokered and suppliedthe items to the Youth and Sports M<strong>in</strong>istry. Anti-Corruption Agencyofficers, who arrested four of them at the ACA office <strong>in</strong> Kuala Lumpurand the fifth <strong>in</strong> Raub, Pahang, yesterday, <strong>are</strong> expected to pick up morepeople for question<strong>in</strong>g.It is learnt that four of those arrested would be charged at the KotaBaru Sessions Court today with mak<strong>in</strong>g false claims under Section 11(C) of the Anti-Corruption Act. The other person is expected to becharged at the Raub Sessions Court with crim<strong>in</strong>al breach of trust.It is possible that Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail wouldalso charge them under the Anti-Money Launder<strong>in</strong>g Act. ACA directorgeneralDatuk Ahmad Said Hamdan, who confirmed the arrests, isexpected to hold a press conference today, provid<strong>in</strong>g details of the<strong>in</strong>vestigations. It is believed this is the first time that the ACA hasacted on the Auditor-General’s Report.Sources said Ahmad Said <strong>order</strong>ed a thorough <strong>in</strong>vestigation <strong>in</strong>to thematter after he and his deputy Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed studiedthe A-G’s Report. On Saturday, The Star reported that the ACA hadwrapped up its <strong>in</strong>vestigations and would make several arrests.The sources said the ACA <strong>in</strong>vestigations centred on whethergovernment officers received bribes from the private sector, if falseclaims were made and whether those recorded as hav<strong>in</strong>g receivedmoney actually received it.“The <strong>in</strong>vestigation will also ascerta<strong>in</strong> if the items supplied to thedepartment or agency matched the <strong>order</strong>,” the sources added.
Tuesday October 23, 2007ACA suggests corruption clause <strong>in</strong> lettersBy NIK MAZWIN NIK ANIS and SIM LEOI LEOIPUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) will recommend thata preventive clause warn<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st corruption be <strong>in</strong>serted <strong>in</strong> allgovernment offer and tender letters, contracts and agreements <strong>in</strong> thefuture.This recommendation - along with several others to plug weaknesses<strong>in</strong> the m<strong>in</strong>istries’ f<strong>in</strong>ancial procedures, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the blacklist<strong>in</strong>g ofcompanies found to have offered bribes - will serve to rem<strong>in</strong>d allsignatories of such contracts the crim<strong>in</strong>ality of the act.These measures <strong>are</strong> suggested as the agency announced its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gson its probes <strong>in</strong>to the cases highlighted <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General’s Report2006, which saw 10 people be<strong>in</strong>g charged for various corruptionoffences and at least five senior civil servants to have discipl<strong>in</strong>aryaction taken aga<strong>in</strong>st them.ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan said manysignatories <strong>in</strong> fact actually did not know that corruption or any suchmalpractice constituted a crim<strong>in</strong>al act. “They may th<strong>in</strong>k it is unethicalbut not crim<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong> nature. The clause will rem<strong>in</strong>d anyone conduct<strong>in</strong>gbus<strong>in</strong>ess with the Government of this and that action can thus betaken aga<strong>in</strong>st them under the Anti-Corruption Act 1997.“If there is any element of corruption, it is suggested that thesecontracts be term<strong>in</strong>ated immediately. At present, there is no suchclause <strong>in</strong> any government contract or tender. “We have <strong>in</strong>serted sucha clause for the giv<strong>in</strong>g of aid under the tsunami relief aid <strong>in</strong> Penangand we have found it to be effective,” he told reporters at his officehere Tuesday. Under the Act, one can be liable for a maximum 20years’ imprisonment term or a RM10,000 m<strong>in</strong>imum f<strong>in</strong>e or five timesthat of the amount <strong>in</strong>volved.Besides this, the ACA, he added, would also suggest to theGovernment that a comprehensive study be carried out on theprocurement procedures currently practised by m<strong>in</strong>istries andagencies.
Wednesday October 24, 2007Make public officials accountableWE refer to the report 'ACA zooms <strong>in</strong>' (The Star, Oct 20) and cannotagree more.Although the Auditor-General’s Report was very comprehensive anddetailed, we wondered why no m<strong>in</strong>ister or m<strong>in</strong>istries were tak<strong>in</strong>g anyresponsibility. Year-<strong>in</strong> and year-out, the AG makes his report butnobody at the highest level of government takes responsibility for theirm<strong>in</strong>istries? Are they beyond reproach or <strong>are</strong> they above the law?When taxpayers’ money is wasted and not accounted for, we, astaxpayers, <strong>are</strong> very disappo<strong>in</strong>ted. We have yet to see m<strong>in</strong>isters ortheir senior officers tak<strong>in</strong>g responsibility for th<strong>in</strong>gs that happen <strong>in</strong> theirm<strong>in</strong>istries. How come?Any public official found not do<strong>in</strong>g his job either because of<strong>in</strong>competence or <strong>in</strong>appropriate conduct must take responsibility andvacate his position voluntarily. We have yet to see a public officialstake responsibility despite the many opportunities to do so.PHILIP WONG PAK MING,President,Sarawak-Sabah Foochow Association, MalaysiaKuala Lumpur
Wednesday October 24, 2007Agency: Price of screwdrivers fair, but notothersPUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) has cle<strong>are</strong>d all parties<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the procurement of the screwdrivers that were allegedlymade at <strong>in</strong>flated prices by the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN).The ACA, however, has deta<strong>in</strong>ed four people <strong>in</strong> connection with thepurchase of three digital cameras, deemed to be bought at anunreasonable price and not follow<strong>in</strong>g specifications. The Auditor-General's Report for 2006 cited these items among those bought at<strong>in</strong>flated prices by the Youth and Sports M<strong>in</strong>istry for the IKBN.The Auditor-General said the m<strong>in</strong>istry paid RM8.39mil more than themarket price for the items, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g RM224 for a set of fourscrewdrivers (cost<strong>in</strong>g RM32 <strong>in</strong> the market). The m<strong>in</strong>istry also paidRM5.72mil for two crane towers (aga<strong>in</strong>st the market price ofRM2.98mil), technical books compris<strong>in</strong>g 17 titles priced at RM10,700and three units of 3.1 mega pixel digital camera that were bought atRM8,254 each.ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan said the supplier ofthe Draper screwdrivers took <strong>in</strong>to account that they were imported andcame with a guarantee of authenticity and quality. “Our survey fromother suppliers showed that Draper screwdrivers, of different sizes,were imported with a guarantee of between RM20 and RM40 for eachscrewdriver, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the currency exchange at the time ofpurchase.“The price is thus reasonable, tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the account the costs ofbr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the screwdrivers and the assurance of quality,” he toldreporters at his office here yesterday. He said the agency found theprice of the screwdrivers reasonable, “consider<strong>in</strong>g that thesescrewdrivers were not those manufactured <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a”.“We <strong>are</strong> scrut<strong>in</strong>is<strong>in</strong>g this case and will submit a report on this to thedepartment <strong>in</strong>volved later,” he added. However, said Ahmad Said,there were irregularities <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the purchase of the technicalbooks, the digital cameras and other items by IKBN.
“For the technical books, the supplier sold the 17 sets at RM10,700each while the A-G Report <strong>in</strong>dicated the actual price to be RM417 perset. “Our survey showed that books, with those same titles, shouldcost between RM50 and RM150 each and the entire set should bearound RM500 to RM1,500. “The price quoted by the supplier wasthus too high and unreasonable, caus<strong>in</strong>g the Government to sufferlosses,” he said. The ACA has deta<strong>in</strong>ed four people <strong>in</strong> connection withthe camera purchase and was recommend<strong>in</strong>g that at least five seniorm<strong>in</strong>istry officers face discipl<strong>in</strong>ary action for carry<strong>in</strong>g out their dutieswithout consider<strong>in</strong>g the implication on their department and theGovernment.ACA checks showed that those <strong>in</strong>volved had gone on overseas tripswithout permission from the Government and accepted various“enterta<strong>in</strong>ments” from the company. “Six others <strong>are</strong> still under<strong>in</strong>vestigation. We <strong>are</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g with our probe to prove element ofcrim<strong>in</strong>ality and the case will be referred to the Attorney-General’soffice,” added Ahmad Said.The A-G's Report has so far led to 10 people be<strong>in</strong>g hauled to the courtsto face various corruption offences. At least five senior civil servants<strong>are</strong> fac<strong>in</strong>g discipl<strong>in</strong>ary action. The ACA would also ask for a company<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the renovation of some government quarters <strong>in</strong> Penang tobe blacklisted and a government technician to be penalised for mak<strong>in</strong>gfalse declarations.
Wednesday October 24, 2007ACA wants warn<strong>in</strong>g clauseBy NIK MAZWIN NIK ANIS and SIM LEOI LEOIPUTRAJAYA: The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) wants a clause thatwarns of the consequences of bribery to be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> all governmentoffer and tender letters, contracts and agreements.This move along with several others, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g blacklist<strong>in</strong>g companiesfound to have offered bribes, would serve to rem<strong>in</strong>d all signatories ofsuch documents of the consequences of corruption.ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan said: “If there is anyelement of corruption, it is suggested that these contracts beterm<strong>in</strong>ated immediately. “We have <strong>in</strong>serted such a clause for thegiv<strong>in</strong>g of aid under the tsunami relief aid <strong>in</strong> Penang and we found it tobe effective,” he told a press conference at his office here yesterdaywhen announc<strong>in</strong>g its probe <strong>in</strong>to the cases highlighted <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General’s Report 2006.Ahmad Said said the agency would also suggest to the Governmentthat a study be carried out on the procurement procedures now be<strong>in</strong>gpractised by m<strong>in</strong>istries and agencies. “The study will hopefully lead toa mechanism for more transp<strong>are</strong>nt procedures.“Our <strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>in</strong>dicated there <strong>are</strong> weaknesses, which allowopportunities for corruption and mismanagement of funds.“This was proven by the Auditor-General’s report, expos<strong>in</strong>g that manyof the purchas<strong>in</strong>g of equipment and items were actually carried out bydirect negotiation,” he po<strong>in</strong>ted out. In Kuala Lumpur, Transp<strong>are</strong>ncyInternational Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said therapid action taken by ACA to <strong>in</strong>vestigate 10 government officials was astep <strong>in</strong> the right direction <strong>in</strong> eradicat<strong>in</strong>g corruption.
Wednesday October 24, 2007Three claim trial to regularitiesSEREMBAN: Three men, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a director with a government tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>stitute, pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here over allegedirregularities <strong>in</strong> the purchase of digital cameras for the use of tra<strong>in</strong>ees at theNational Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) <strong>in</strong> Chembong, near Rembau. Thealleged irregularities were reported <strong>in</strong> the 2006 Auditor General's report.Kamaruzaman Md Ali, 38, who is a director with the Industrial Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gInstitute <strong>in</strong> Sandakan, allegedly committed the offence on Feb 17, 2003 whilehe was an assistant director at IKBN Chembong. He was alleged to havedeceived the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal at IKBN Chembong <strong>in</strong>to believ<strong>in</strong>g that the <strong>in</strong>stitute hadreceived the Kodak DC4800 USA digital cameras together with the W<strong>in</strong>dows2000 softw<strong>are</strong> and personal computers which had a m<strong>in</strong>imum 128MB RAM,CD ROM drives for softw<strong>are</strong> <strong>in</strong>stallation, USB port and 256 colour monitors.Kamaruzaman was accused of sign<strong>in</strong>g the f<strong>in</strong>al acceptance certificate, whichstated that the equipment was bought accord<strong>in</strong>g to specifications andfunctioned well. He was represented by Mohamed Khatir Abdullah.Another former head at the same <strong>in</strong>stitute, 31-year-old Wan Asmawi WanShariff, 33, was also charged with the same offence. Wan Asmawi, who isnow head at the IKBN Temerloh tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g unit, allegedly abettedKamaruzaman by sign<strong>in</strong>g the document verify<strong>in</strong>g that the IKBN Chembonghad received all the equipment accord<strong>in</strong>g to specifications.Wan Asmawi, who was then the head at the IKBN Chembong ConstructionSchool, was unrepresented. Loh Siu Le, 38, a project manager at KosijayaDidactics Sdn Bhd, was also charged with abett<strong>in</strong>g the duo by acknowledg<strong>in</strong>gthe f<strong>in</strong>al acceptance certificate they had signed on behalf of his company.Loh was represented by Ragunath Kesavan. The three, who appe<strong>are</strong>dseparately before judge Sabariah Atan, were charged under Section 11(c) ofthe Anti Corruption Act 1997. If found guilty, they can be jailed between 14days and 20 years and f<strong>in</strong>ed RM10,000 or five times the amount of the bribe,whichever is higher. Sabariah set bail at RM8,000 with one surety each andfixed March 12 for rention. ACA's Joyce Blasius and Wong Poi Yokeprosecuted.On Tuesday, Kamaruzaman and Loh claimed trial at the Kota Baru SessionsCourt to either sign<strong>in</strong>g or abett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the sign<strong>in</strong>g of a f<strong>in</strong>al acceptancecertificate conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g false <strong>in</strong>formation on goods delivered to the BachokIKBN three years ago.The trial was fixed for mention on Nov 28.
Thursday October 25, 2007Three charged over skills <strong>in</strong>stitute’s equipmentdealBy SARBAN SINGHSEREMBAN: Two men and a woman pleaded not guilty <strong>in</strong> the SessionsCourt over alleged irregularities <strong>in</strong> the purchase of digital cameras fortra<strong>in</strong>ees at the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) <strong>in</strong> Chembong,near Rembau.The irregularities were reported <strong>in</strong> the 2006 Auditor-General’s Report.Kamaruzaman Md Ali, 38, now a director with the Industrial Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gInstitute <strong>in</strong> Sandakan, allegedly committed the offence on Feb 17,2003 while he was assistant director at the IKBN <strong>in</strong> Chembong. Hewas said to have deceived the IKBN Chembong pr<strong>in</strong>cipal <strong>in</strong>to believ<strong>in</strong>gthat the <strong>in</strong>stitute had received the Kodak DC4800 USA digital cameras,W<strong>in</strong>dows 2000 softw<strong>are</strong> and 256 personal computers with a m<strong>in</strong>imum128MB RAM, CD-ROM drives for softw<strong>are</strong> <strong>in</strong>stallation and USB ports.Kamaruzaman allegedly signed the f<strong>in</strong>al acceptance certificate thatstated that the equipment was bought accord<strong>in</strong>g to specifications andfunctioned well. A former head of the <strong>in</strong>stitute, Wan Asmawi WanShariff, 33, was also charged with the same offence.Wan Asmawi, who is now head of the <strong>in</strong>stitute’s Temerloh tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gunit, allegedly abetted Kamaruzaman by sign<strong>in</strong>g the same document,verify<strong>in</strong>g that all the equipment had been received accord<strong>in</strong>g to thespecifications.He was then head of the <strong>in</strong>stitute’s Chembong Construction School.Loh Siu Le, 38, project manager at Kosijaya Didactics Sdn Bhd, wascharged with abett<strong>in</strong>g the two by acknowledg<strong>in</strong>g the f<strong>in</strong>al acceptancecertificate they had signed. The three appe<strong>are</strong>d separately beforejudge Sabariah Atan.The court set bail at RM8,000 with one surety each and fixed March 12for mention.
Friday October 26, 200717 picked up over A-G's report so far, morearrests soonBy LOURDES CHARLESPUTRAJAYA: The blitz on civil servants and others allegedly <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> theirregularities highlighted <strong>in</strong> the 2006 Auditor-General’s Report cont<strong>in</strong>ues withfour arrests Thursday, and more likely to be picked up soon. On Thursday,the ACA picked up a former director, an assistant director and a technicalofficer – all from the Youth and Sports M<strong>in</strong>istry. The fourth person is acontractor. The four arrests have taken to 17 the total number picked up sofar.It is learnt that the former director, now retired, was picked up <strong>in</strong> Kedahwhile the assistant director and contractor were picked up <strong>in</strong> Kuala Lumpur.The technical officer, with the civil eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g department of the m<strong>in</strong>istry,was arrested at the ACA office <strong>in</strong> Kangar when he went there to give hisstatement. ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan confirmed thearrests and said all four <strong>are</strong> expected to be charged on Friday at the KangarSessions Court under Section 11 (C) of the Anti-Corruption Act 1997 withmak<strong>in</strong>g false claims.The alleged offences took place <strong>in</strong> Kuala Perlis. “We will cont<strong>in</strong>ue with our<strong>in</strong>vestigations. If there is any basis for us to arrest and charge anyone forany corrupt practices, we will do it,” said Ahmad Said. “There is no suchth<strong>in</strong>g as go<strong>in</strong>g after only the small fish and lett<strong>in</strong>g off the big ones. We do notdiscrim<strong>in</strong>ate when it comes to such matters.”The agency also said it would call <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>isters and senior officials forquestion<strong>in</strong>g if the need arose. The ACA has so far charged 14 people <strong>in</strong> KotaK<strong>in</strong>abalu, Kelantan, Pahang and Seremban for various offences, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gmak<strong>in</strong>g false claims. It is learnt that at least five senior m<strong>in</strong>istry officers facediscipl<strong>in</strong>ary action for carry<strong>in</strong>g out their duties without consider<strong>in</strong>g theimplication on their department and the Government.ACA checks showed that those <strong>in</strong>volved had gone on overseas trips withoutpermission from the Government and accepted various types of“enterta<strong>in</strong>ment”. Ahmad Said was also reported as say<strong>in</strong>g that six otherswere still under <strong>in</strong>vestigation.The ACA would also ask for a company <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the renovation of somegovernment quarters <strong>in</strong> Penang to be blacklisted and a governmenttechnician to be penalised for mak<strong>in</strong>g false declarations.
Wednesday October 24, 2007Audit teams must be more efficient, saysAmbr<strong>in</strong>PUTRAJAYA: The <strong>in</strong>ternal audit teams <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>istries and agencies must bemore efficient <strong>in</strong> monitor<strong>in</strong>g the management of public funds and uncover<strong>in</strong>gabuses, particularly <strong>in</strong> the procurement process. PUTRAJAYA: The head of theNational Audit Department, Tan Sri Ambr<strong>in</strong> Buang said this had always beenhis advice to members of the <strong>in</strong>ternal audit teams. However, he said thepublic must also understand that <strong>in</strong> the management with<strong>in</strong> agencies andm<strong>in</strong>istries, there were too many f<strong>in</strong>ancial transactions tak<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> a day."The management of funds may not just occur with<strong>in</strong> one m<strong>in</strong>istry ordepartment, but <strong>in</strong>volves multiple agencies and officers. In fact, what ourdepartment has uncovered <strong>in</strong> our report is merely the results of our surveybased on randomly selected agencies. "At present, many of the members ofthese <strong>in</strong>ternal audit teams <strong>are</strong> already officers from our department.However, from now on, you can expect more professional audits to sit <strong>in</strong>these teams," he told reporters dur<strong>in</strong>g the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister's Department HariRaya open house celebration here Wednesday.He was respond<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs announced by the Anti-Corruption Agency onTuesday <strong>in</strong> their <strong>in</strong>vestigations of the cases highlighted <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General's Report 2006. Ten civil servants were charged throughout thecountry while another five senior officers were expected to face discipl<strong>in</strong>aryaction. ACA director-general Datuk Ahmad Said Hamdan also called for apreventive clause to be <strong>in</strong>serted <strong>in</strong> all government contracts, tender lettersand agreements <strong>in</strong> the future as well as review<strong>in</strong>g the procurementprocedures now be<strong>in</strong>g practised by m<strong>in</strong>istries and agencies.Ambr<strong>in</strong> said he agreed with the ACA for the tighten<strong>in</strong>g of such loopholes sothat these could not be exploited and for the <strong>in</strong>sertion of the preventiveclause. "If such a clause can help reduce abuses, this should be consideredby the Government and we should support it," he said. Asked if the publiccould expect a "better" report for next year, Ambr<strong>in</strong> said it was still too earlyto say. "I pray very hard that it will be better <strong>in</strong> terms of accountability and<strong>in</strong>tegrity next year," he said. Later, Chief Secretary to the Government TanSri Mohd Sidek Hassan said his office would look <strong>in</strong>to the k<strong>in</strong>d of discipl<strong>in</strong>aryaction to be taken aga<strong>in</strong>st the errant officers under the Public OfficersConduct and Discipl<strong>in</strong>e Regulations."We will have to wait for a formal report from the ACA on the matter beforetak<strong>in</strong>g any action aga<strong>in</strong>st them as we have to be fair," he said.
Friday October 26, 2007Errant civil servants have to pay, says Chief SecBy SIM LEOI LEOIPUTRAJAYA: Civil servants found guilty <strong>in</strong> the cases highlighted <strong>in</strong>the recent 2006 Auditor-General's Report may f<strong>in</strong>d themselves hav<strong>in</strong>gto face the wrath of their departments as well.Aside from hav<strong>in</strong>g to face imprisonment or f<strong>in</strong>e, they can also beforced to pay restitution to the Government for the amount of fundsthey had misappropriated from its coffers.Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan saidthese errant civil servants could be asked to give back the monies orpart of it under the service's regulations."They can also be sacked. We don't want and should not tolerate suchelements <strong>in</strong> the public service. The Government wants to be fair to allthe civil servants <strong>in</strong>volved but we <strong>are</strong> very serious <strong>in</strong> weed<strong>in</strong>g out theerrant ones."For those who have been charged and <strong>are</strong> still await<strong>in</strong>g trial, they willhave their pay cut by half. If, by the end of the process they <strong>are</strong> notfound guilty, the Government will repay the arrears owed to them," hetold reporters after launch<strong>in</strong>g the Guidebook on the Employment ofExpatriates: Processes and Procedures at the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister's officehere on Friday.It is understood that the Treasury will determ<strong>in</strong>e the proportion of anyrestitution that errant civil servants would have to pay back.Mohd Sidek was comment<strong>in</strong>g on a series of arrests carried out by theAnti-Corruption Agency (ACA) over the past week based on their<strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>in</strong>to the irregularities highlighted <strong>in</strong> the AG's report.
Saturday October 27, 2007Civil servants will have to pay back fundsmisappropriatedBy SIM LEOI LEOIleoi@thestar.com.myPUTRAJAYA: Civil servants found guilty <strong>in</strong> the cases highlighted <strong>in</strong> therecent Auditor-General’s report may have to face the wrath of theirdepartments as well. Besides hav<strong>in</strong>g to face imprisonment or f<strong>in</strong>e,they could also be forced to pay restitution to the Government for theamount of funds they had misappropriated.Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan saidthese errant civil servants could be asked to give back the monies orpart of it under the service’s regulations. “They can also be sacked.We don’t want and should not tolerate such elements <strong>in</strong> the publicservice. The Government wants to be fair to all the civil servants<strong>in</strong>volved but we <strong>are</strong> serious <strong>in</strong> weed<strong>in</strong>g out the errant ones. “For thosewho have been charged and <strong>are</strong> still await<strong>in</strong>g their trial, they will havetheir pay cut by half for now. If they <strong>are</strong> not found guilty, theGovernment will repay the arrears owed to them,” he told reportersafter launch<strong>in</strong>g the Guidebook on the Employment of Expatriates:Processes and Procedures at the Prime M<strong>in</strong>ister’s office hereyesterday.It is understood that the Treasury will determ<strong>in</strong>e the restitution thaterrant civil servants would have to pay. He was comment<strong>in</strong>g on aseries of arrests carried out by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) overthe past week follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>in</strong>to the irregularitieshighlighted <strong>in</strong> the report. So far, the agency has arrested 17 civilservants <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g senior officers. They have been charged <strong>in</strong> KotaK<strong>in</strong>abalu, Kangar, Seremban and Kelantan for various offences.The agency had on Monday said that it would also be recommend<strong>in</strong>gdiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary action aga<strong>in</strong>st at least five officers. Mohd Sidek said thecivil service had many regulations govern<strong>in</strong>g the management off<strong>in</strong>ances and purchases but that these were not be<strong>in</strong>g enforcedproperly.
Monday October 29, 2007We’ve done our part, says A-GBy FARIK ZOLKEPLIJOHOR BARU: The Audit Dept has done its part <strong>in</strong> submitt<strong>in</strong>g theAG's report and it is now up to the enforcement agencies to takeaction, says Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambr<strong>in</strong> Buang."It is not our place to say whether we <strong>are</strong> satisfied with enforcementefforts based on our yearly reports," said Ambr<strong>in</strong>.He said the National Audit Department played its part every year <strong>in</strong>document<strong>in</strong>g all spend<strong>in</strong>g by government departments and agencieswhile the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and other agencies carried outenforcement efforts."As far as I am concerned, we played our part <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General'sreport. "It is up to (the other agencies) to act based on the reports.We cannot comment whether the ones <strong>in</strong>vestigated <strong>are</strong> only small friesor otherwise," he said when asked if he felt satisfied with theenforcement efforts.Ambr<strong>in</strong> said <strong>in</strong>vestigations and enforcement should be carried outwhenever there is any mismanagement of public funds."It is the expectations of the public to see justice done if there <strong>are</strong> anywrongdo<strong>in</strong>gs."Actions based on our reports <strong>are</strong> needed," he told a press conferenceafter attend<strong>in</strong>g the launch of the National Audit Day here, launched bystate assembly speaker Datuk Ali Hassan.
Tuesday October 30, 2007Shahrir: Go after decision-makers, tooACTION should be taken aga<strong>in</strong>st those <strong>in</strong> the decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g andpolicy positions who <strong>are</strong> responsible for the mismanagement of fundshighlighted <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General’s Report for 2006.Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad saidcompanies which supplied overpriced equipment should also beblacklisted.He commended Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd SidekHassan for say<strong>in</strong>g that action would be taken aga<strong>in</strong>st civil servantswho were found guilty <strong>in</strong> such cases, but added that more needs to bedone.“We <strong>are</strong> not happy. We want decision-makers to be called up andcharged as well.“It is not a question of big fish or small fish. We should go after thedecision-makers as well, because those at the <strong>in</strong>stitution level werearrested for only accept<strong>in</strong>g supplies that were allegedly not accord<strong>in</strong>gto specifications.“We anticipate more arrests at the decision-mak<strong>in</strong>g and m<strong>in</strong>istrylevels,” he told reporters at Parliament House after a brief<strong>in</strong>g byofficials from the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries M<strong>in</strong>istry.On the companies <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> supply<strong>in</strong>g the products, Shahrir said itwas not logical that they were not aw<strong>are</strong> of the price.“Surely, they must realise that it is a serious offence to supply to theGovernment equipment that can be bought for 30% to 40% cheaper.“We can afford to sacrifice 11 companies if there is evidence ofmisbehaviour. Such companies should be blacklisted. Otherwise, therewill be no fear that action can be taken aga<strong>in</strong>st them,” he added.Shahrir said the PAC was happy that the Agriculture and Agro-BasedIndustry M<strong>in</strong>istry had responded positively to criticisms <strong>in</strong> the report.
Tuesday October 30, 2007Auditor-General: Up to other agencies to actJOHOR BARU: The National Audit Department’s role is to document allmalpractices <strong>in</strong> the Government while other agencies act on them, saidAuditor-General Tan Sri Ambr<strong>in</strong> Buang.“It is not our place to say whether we <strong>are</strong> satisfied with enforcementefforts based on our yearly reports.“As far as I am concerned, we played our part <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General’sreport. It is up to them (other agencies) to act based on the reports.“We cannot comment whether the ones <strong>in</strong>vestigated <strong>are</strong> only smallfries or otherwise,” he said when asked if he was satisfied with actionstaken aga<strong>in</strong>st those found to have mismanaged public funds <strong>in</strong> the2006 report.He was speak<strong>in</strong>g to reporters at the launch of National Audit Dayhere.Ambr<strong>in</strong> said <strong>in</strong>vestigations and actions should be carried out <strong>in</strong> casesof mismanagement of public funds.“It is the expectation of the public to see justice done if there is anywrongdo<strong>in</strong>g,” he added.Ambr<strong>in</strong> also said that the Johor Government’s debt would be greatlyreduced when the Federal Government took over certa<strong>in</strong> projects suchas water management.Asked whether the state government was bankrupt, Ambr<strong>in</strong> said hehad never made such a statement or report.“The Johor Government and other state governments cannot bebankrupt. They <strong>are</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>g the money owed to the FederalGovernment.”
Tuesday October 30, 2007I pay dead people ... probe widensBy MUGUNTAN VANARKOTA KINABALU: The Anti Corruption Agency has widened its probe<strong>in</strong>to deceased people receiv<strong>in</strong>g welf<strong>are</strong> aid to <strong>in</strong>clude more districtWelf<strong>are</strong> offices <strong>in</strong> the state.Sabah ACA director Latifah Mohd Yatim said they were <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>gthe falsification of documents at various district offices.Five people, ma<strong>in</strong>ly adm<strong>in</strong>istrative staff from Welf<strong>are</strong> offices <strong>in</strong> Tuaranand Penampang, were charged on Oct 23 for falsify<strong>in</strong>g documents toclaim welf<strong>are</strong> aid for the elderly.The <strong>in</strong>vestigations came about follow<strong>in</strong>g the Auditor-General's 2006report that highlighted the issue <strong>in</strong> the districts of Kota Belud andKen<strong>in</strong>gau."Though we have charged five people, it does not mean the<strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>are</strong> over -- we <strong>are</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>vestigate severalother districts," Latifah told reporters at the Sabah ACA Hari Rayagather<strong>in</strong>g here.She decl<strong>in</strong>ed to say if more arrests were expected.
Tuesday October 30, 2007Auditor-General: Up to other agencies to actJOHOR BARU: The National Audit Department’s role is to document allmalpractices <strong>in</strong> the Government while other agencies act on them, saidAuditor-General Tan Sri Ambr<strong>in</strong> Buang.“It is not our place to say whether we <strong>are</strong> satisfied with enforcementefforts based on our yearly reports. “As far as I am concerned, weplayed our part <strong>in</strong> the Auditor-General’s report. It is up to them (otheragencies) to act based on the reports. “We cannot comment whetherthe ones <strong>in</strong>vestigated <strong>are</strong> only small fries or otherwise,” he said whenasked if he was satisfied with actions taken aga<strong>in</strong>st those found tohave mismanaged public funds <strong>in</strong> the 2006 report.He was speak<strong>in</strong>g to reporters at the launch of National Audit Dayhere.Ambr<strong>in</strong> said <strong>in</strong>vestigations and actions should be carried out <strong>in</strong> casesof mismanagement of public funds.“It is the expectation of the public to see justice done if there is anywrongdo<strong>in</strong>g,” he added. Ambr<strong>in</strong> also said that the Johor Government’sdebt would be greatly reduced when the Federal Government tookover certa<strong>in</strong> projects such as water management.Asked whether the state government was bankrupt, Ambr<strong>in</strong> said hehad never made such a statement or report. “The Johor Governmentand other state governments cannot be bankrupt. They <strong>are</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>gthe money owed to the Federal Government.”
Wednesday October 31, 2007ACA probes high-priced purchase of OPVsTHE Anti-Corruption Agency is <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g alleged irregularities <strong>in</strong> thepurchase of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) highlighted <strong>in</strong> theAuditor-General’s Report.In w<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g up debates on the 2008 budget for his m<strong>in</strong>istry, DeputyDefence M<strong>in</strong>ister Datuk Za<strong>in</strong>al Abid<strong>in</strong> Z<strong>in</strong> said the contract cost<strong>in</strong>creased by RM1.4bil from RM5.35bil due to several factors.He said the construction of the six OPVs was delayed last year due toweaknesses <strong>in</strong> the former contractor, PSC-NDSB Company, asubsidiary of Penang Shipbuild<strong>in</strong>g Corporation Industries.Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera later took over the contract.He said there was justification for the <strong>in</strong>crease as the additionalRM1.4bil was needed to cont<strong>in</strong>ue construction of all OPVs.Among the reasons he gave was that foreign suppliers who had to stopwork last year had imposed penalties and extra cost.
Wednesday October 31, 2007ACA probes district welf<strong>are</strong> officesKOTA KINABALU: A graft probe <strong>in</strong>to the dead receiv<strong>in</strong>g welf<strong>are</strong> aid <strong>in</strong>Sabah is widen<strong>in</strong>g with the Anti-Corruption Agency zero<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> ondistrict welf<strong>are</strong> offices.Sabah ACA director Latifah Md Yatim said they were check<strong>in</strong>g on thefalsification of documents to obta<strong>in</strong> payments for people who weredead.Five people, ma<strong>in</strong>ly adm<strong>in</strong>istrative staff from welf<strong>are</strong> offices <strong>in</strong> Tuaranand Penampang, were charged on Oct 23 for such offences.The <strong>in</strong>vestigations came about follow<strong>in</strong>g the Auditor General 2006report that highlighted <strong>in</strong>cidents of dead people receiv<strong>in</strong>g aid based ona sampl<strong>in</strong>g of aid recipients <strong>in</strong> districts of Kota Belud and Ken<strong>in</strong>gau.“Though we have charged five people, it does not mean the<strong>in</strong>vestigations <strong>are</strong> over, we <strong>are</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>vestigate several otherdistricts,” Latifah told reporters at the Sabah ACA Hari Rayagather<strong>in</strong>g.She decl<strong>in</strong>ed to say if more arrests were expected, add<strong>in</strong>g “you will be<strong>in</strong>formed if there is any arrest.”Latifah said the ACA action aga<strong>in</strong>st corruption was aga<strong>in</strong>st anyone andit did not matter if the person was senior or junior.