PETALING JAYA: Leakages in government expenditure can still occur under the unity government as certain factors are beyond Putrajaya’s immediate control, says economy minister Rafizi Ramli.
Speaking in the first episode of his “Yang Bakar Menteri” podcast, Rafizi said despite the unity government’s goal to ensure there are no leakages in funds, he cannot guarantee they will not happen.
He said factors like operations are beyond the administration’s direct control, and that the “human aspect” was a key contributing factor in such leakages.
Rafizi was asked if he was confident there will be no reports of leakages in government spending in the next Auditor-General’s Report.
“I cannot commit, because that is not within our control. In the short-term, when it comes to the government’s operations, for example, we set the policy, direction and focus, signalling what we want done.
“Then we tighten the procedures, improve on the procurement processes, (and) ensure good management in the implementation (of policies).
“So, I am hoping that the message from the top reaches the bottom … We pray next year’s (auditor-general’s) report will be better,” he said.
Rafizi said the reports usually highlight leakages that take place because of challenges in the implementation of a government programme or fraud or corruption.
He said the government must take full responsibility for cases involving fraud or corruption.
“But let’s say, for example, the report says a certain programme has not met its targets. When we drill down further, all processes and procedures were carried out according to good governance, but due to other implementation challenges (it failed to meet its goals).
“We need to take such cases more objectively rather than lump everything in the report together as leakages or misappropriation (of funds).
“If it’s fraud, then yes, that is something we must take ownership for.”
In November, the 2022 Auditor-General’s Report said RM681.7 million in taxpayers’ money was lost because of shortcomings in six government programmes.
A padi planting scheme was responsible for the biggest loss, amounting to RM660 million, with Auditor-General Wan Suraya Wan Radzi saying the programme fell short of its target in terms of output and increasing planters’ income.
