Despite assurance from the top, PKR’s Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is dubious that the Youth and Sports Ministry’s finances will be spotless next year as pledged when national auditors scour its books. The Selangor state lawmaker also said that there needs to be political will from the government to enforce the check and balance mechanism in place. “Is Khairy ready to assure the Malaysian public, that his ministry will no longer be caught incurring questionable transactions for the 2013 Audit which will be released in 2014, especially so in the periods after May 2013, when he was appointed Minister?” Nik Nazmi asked of the minister, Khairy Jamaluddin. “Our position is that no amount of check and balances, or thrice a year audits will fix the problem, what is needed is a clear political will on the part of the Government to enforce those checks and balances. “Unfortunately time and again, the government has failed this crucial litmus test on accountability,” Nik Nazmi said in a statement. Khairy, who was appointed to head the Youth and Sports Ministry for the first time after the May 5 general election, pledged transparency with government funds for future projects. Today, Nik Nazmi, who is also the Seri Setia MP questioned the need to spend RM67.61 million on the National Youth Day 2012 when he said the money could be used on sports utilities, self empowerment and other initiatives that can leave a long term effect among the younger generation. The hefty price tag included RM1.6 million to bring in three Korean pop acts, according to the Auditor General’s report. “While the Auditor General’s Report may cast a light on wastefulness and systemic failures, it is also a good opportunity for the government to reflect upon its policy choices and its impact on ordinary Malaysians,” he said.
Posted on: Sat, 05 Oct 2013 04:57:31 +0000
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