KUALA LUMPUR (July 5): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said it will examine all documents related to the findings made in the latest Auditor General’s Report concerning the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to determine if there is any element of wrongdoing.

In a statement on Friday, the agency confirmed receiving information on the matter along with the documents from the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) secretary general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud earlier.  

The MACC said it will assess whether there are any elements of corruption, fraud or abuse of power in HRD Corp, under the MACC Act 2009.

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"In addition to criminal offences, the MACC will also review governance weaknesses raised in the Auditor General’s Report 2/2024," it added.

Earlier on Friday, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said he has ordered a report to be filed with MACC regarding the AG's Report and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) findings on HRD Corp, an agency under the MOHR.

Sim stressed that the MOHR will not tolerate any violation of the law and that the ministry will not prevent any related parties from conducting further investigations into the ministry’s agencies.

On Thursday, Auditor General Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, in the AG’s Report, recommended that the MOHR refer HRD Corp’s management to the relevant enforcement agencies after the government entity failed its audit.

Wan Suraya noted that actions and decisions taken by HRD Corp’s management did not comply with procedures and did not protect the necessary interests for achieving the company’s objectives.

She added that the MOHR needs to take appropriate action against HRD Corp's management for the irregularities identified.

Separately, the PAC revealed that a total of RM3.77 billion in levies collected from employers for training development programs had been used by HRD Corp for various investments unrelated to its establishment.

Following this, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has called for firmer action to be taken to further strengthen the governance and management of HRD Corp.

The FMM said it is imperative for greater accountability in the management of HRD Corp funds and stronger oversight to ensure compliance with the law and established procedures and guidelines. 

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