PUTRAJAYA: The role and duty of the National Audit Department will be expanded to take on the role of ombudsman, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said aside from carrying out audits, taking on the role of ombudsman could see the department looking at other issues such as compliance, adherence to principles and ensuring that no corruption, negligence and leakages occur.
He said while this was still in discussion, he believed that the department's role could be expanded.
"I am looking at how we can strengthen and give other roles for the department to play.
"We will discuss this new role for the National Audit Department at the Cabinet meeting," he said during a session with department staff Friday (Sept 1).
The Prime Minister also said he was satisfied with the department's performance in pointing out issues that need to be addressed and be given attention by other departments and agencies.
"I would not be giving the department this important additional role if there were no trust and confidence in its ability to take on the responsibility," he added.
Anwar said while the audit report was not debated in Parliament last year, he gave his assurance that he would ensure it is done this year.
"If there are weaknesses, we will rectify them, if there are violations, we will correct them. If there is power abuse, we will ensure that action is taken," he said.
The Prime Minister said he had instructed his ministers, their secretaries-general and directors-general to study the report and provide "satisfactory response or actions" to its findings.
He wanted others to also view it as an important document and "not just another report".
"The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Inland Revenue Board and other enforcement bodies will know if no serious follow-up action is taken," he said.
"This was the practice when I was the Finance Minister back then. I regard the audit report as an important document that needs to be studied.
"Even when I was the Opposition Leader, I would study the report closely.
"Ministers would be sweating because I would dig up and point out issues," he added.
"I believe the Finance Ministry must be the lead agency in reviewing the report to ensure compliance among departments.
"If this is not done, the same mistakes will be made every year. If that's the case there is no point in coming up with such a report," he said.
Anwar said issues highlighted in the report must not be taken lightly and all ministries and agencies, including the Prime Minister's Department, must provide a response.
