KUALA LUMPUR: The effort to combat corruption requires cooperation from all responsible parties to prevent misappropriation of government funds intended to ensure sustainability of public service delivery.

Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Tan Sri Azam Baki, said that MACC is always committed to addressing issues of corruption and abuse of power through the strengthening of governance and management at all levels.

"The role of auditors is crucial in uncovering discrepancies in financial accounts and records that have been manipulated to conceal financial crimes.

"Accountants, on the other hand, are responsible as 'gatekeepers' of an organization's financial information, monitoring the company's financial flow, advising management on financial operations, and if necessary, reporting irregularities and misappropriations to the authorities," he said.

Azam said this while officiating the Anti-Corruption Initiative Through Strengthening Accounting and Auditing Practices program here today.

Also present were Accountant General, Nor Yati Ahmad; Vice-Chancellor of UiTM, Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib@Sahibuddin; Deputy Auditor General (Finance), Patimah Ramuji; CEO of Malaysian Institute of Accountants, Dr. Wan Ahmad Rudirman Wan Razak; President of Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Datuk Akbar Moidunny; Deputy CEO of Companies Commission of Malaysia, Rezy Izwan Ramly; and Director of Special Department of Inland Revenue Board, Datuk Akmal Johari Ismail.

Azam also mentioned that company secretaries must ensure that beneficial ownership information is included and submitted to the registrar in accordance with the Guideline for the Reporting Framework for Beneficial Ownership of Legal Persons.

"It is disheartening when government allocations intended to ensure the sustainability of public service delivery are misappropriated by irresponsible parties.

"MACC always pays serious attention to the Auditor General's report (LKAN) presented in Parliament, with involvement in the Auditor General's Report Action Committee and Joint Meetings With Enforcement Agencies and Central Agencies Concerning LKAN," he said.

He added that focus will also be given to problematic projects and unprofitable investments that result in significant losses to the government.

"Investigations have been initiated into issues raised, as reported by mass media, based on the information and complaints received.

"I have high hopes that the recent amendment to the Audit Act 1957, which was passed by Parliament, will have a positive impact through the expanded scope of auditing the management of public funds," he said.

Azam hopes that a working group can be established to implement actions to curb financial crimes, particularly corruption and abuse of power, in a centralised and continuous manner until the planned objectives are achieved.

Earlier, MACC's Financial Analysis Division hosted the Anti-Corruption Initiative Program through Strengthening Accounting and Auditing Practices for the first time, involving 80 participants from MACC, government agencies and statutory bodies, universities, and professional bodies.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1091489/azam-baki-hopes-working-group-can-be-established-curb-financial-crimes