Kuala lumpur:<Text>

The national audit system must continue to be implemented using a faster, more accurate approach that is oriented towards delivering maximum impact to the people, rather than merely correcting accounts or treating it as a routine exercise, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized that delays in audit implementation could open the door to leakages and undermine public confidence in the transparency of the national auditing system.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that if the auditing system is perceived as slow and sluggish, it creates space for leakages. Speaking at the launch of the 120th anniversary celebration of the National Audit Department (NAD), he expressed the need for audits to be faster and more accurate. The event was attended by prominent figures including Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, an d Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi.

Anwar highlighted that NAD must ensure auditing systems are not burdensome and are easy for the public to understand. He noted that new systems often face opposition from those accustomed to inefficiency or misappropriation, and emphasized the importance of engaging with the public to ensure they understand the audit system's value and necessity for the nation's progress.

In this regard, Anwar urged the Auditor-General and NAD officers to engage with the public, explaining that the audit system is a proactive effort to make improvements. He stressed that a well-implemented auditing system can prevent issues such as leakages, confusion, and abuse of power. Anwar praised the efforts of the Auditor-General and her colleagues in streamlining the auditing system to address long-standing problems like misappropriation of funds and abuse of power.

Furthermore, Anwar stated that the government grants NAD full latitude to conduct audits in ministries, departments, and government agencies, within existing rules and laws. He encouraged NAD to explore new approaches to continuously improve the audit system and minimize the possibility of leakages.

He concluded by asserting that auditing is a dynamic system requiring a positive sense of urgency for improvement. Anwar called for bold and decisive steps to ensure the country is on the right track, highlighting the importance of participation and commitment from all parties, including NAD, to achieve progress and bring about significant change.