KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 — The Youth and Sports Ministry will be one of the first government bodies to be summoned by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after the latest audit report on government bodies was released today by the Auditor-General’s Office.
PAC chairman Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin said that the ministry will be summoned over the construction of sports facilities for youths that was highlighted in the latest report.
But he said the audit report released today showed continued improvement in the performance of federal agencies and ministries.
“Overall, we are satisfied with the performance,” he said.
Among the issues with the Youth and Sports Ministry raised in the report was the RM253 million allocated under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to build sporting venues and facilities for youths across the country.
While the overall objectives of implemented projects were achieved, the Auditor-General said just 45 per cent of the allocation was used as of March while many planned facilities remained incomplete.
It also noted poor accessibility at some futsal courts built in rural areas, while parts of the construction were not according to the project's specifications.
The National Sports Council also drew a reprimand over its financial management for the latest audit, with the Auditor-General pointing out that the National Football Development Programme (PPBN) funds were not disbursed even when relevant documents were available, while the appointment of the management company was also not carried out according to procedures.
Hasan said that a total of 126 agencies and ministries were audited without receiving any reprimand, while 12 did not receive a reprimand but had specific issues flagged.
“Four bodies were reprimanded, while one had an objection of opinion,” he said.
Separately, Auditor-General Tan Sri Madinah Mohamad said her department has started taking steps to engage the relevant bodies for further action on the issues highlighted in the report.
“Unlike previous times, we are not waiting until the report has been tabled to the PAC or Parliament to start taking action,” she said.
