Malaysian Lawmaker Questions Audit Integrity After Tabung Haji Report

Questions have been raised regarding the integrity of audit reports presented to the Malaysian government following the revelation of the Tabung Haji (TH) Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report. Datuk Armizan Mohd. Ali, a Member of Parliament for GRS-Papar, voiced concerns about whether essential financial information and findings concerning TH's financial standing and management were comprehensively communicated to stakeholders prior to decision-making.

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As a member of the administration, in examining every annual report of government agencies and statutory bodies presented in the Cabinet meeting, my main reliance is on every review by the Auditor-General.

Armizan highlighted that the Federal Constitution clearly defines the responsibilities and mandate of the Auditor-General. He stated that as a member of the administration, his primary reliance when reviewing annual reports of government agencies and statutory bodies presented to the Cabinet is on the Auditor-General's findings. However, the TH RCI report has cast doubt on the integrity of audit reports submitted to the Cabinet, Parliament, and the public.

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However, this Tabung Haji RCI report has, to some extent, raised questions about the integrity of the audit report presented to the Cabinet, Parliament, and the public as a whole.

He urged the government to clarify its position on the audit issues brought up in the RCI report. This explanation, he emphasized, is crucial to reassure the public that the integrity of the Auditor-General's reports, including current ones, remains trustworthy and aligned with the constitutional mandate. Armizan also welcomed the National Audit Department's initiative to introduce the Auditor General Dashboard (AGD), which provides access to audit findings and follow-up actions.

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Please explain the government's stance on the audit issues raised in the RCI.