AG's Report: Financial performance of ministries at four-year best

Government ministries achieved a four-year best in terms of their financial performance and management for 2013, the third series of the Auditor-General’s report revealed.

As many as 23 out of the 24 Federal Ministries were rated ‘excellent’ in 2013 compared to 22 ministries in 2012 and 19 in 2011.

The number of ministries achieving the ‘excellent’ rating also more than doubled when compared to 2009, when only 10 ministries held the rating.

However, the same could not be said in regards to the financial performance of Federal Departments, with only 21 out of the 45 departments obtaining an ‘excellent’ rating.

This was a drop in terms of percentage from the previous year, when 21 out of 39 departments were rated ‘excellent’.

The report stated that the financial performance of ministries and departments could be further improved if controlling officers and heads of departments practiced a more ‘hands-on approach’.

“Controlling officers and heads of department should conduct a comprehensive check to determine whether the weaknesses highlighted by the National Audit Department also occur in other areas,” it said Monday.

It also advised the ministries and departments to enhance the effectiveness of their respective Internal Audit Units (UAD).

“They should ensure that the UAD staff get sufficient training and guidance, prepare the annual audit plan so that auditing could be carried out according to priorities,” the report added.