The annual auditing report by the Auditor-General Office (AGO) is unusually late this year. As of Friday, 22 July (the last working day of the week), the report has yet been published.
The annual AGO report is typically published on the 1st of July each year though there had been some exceptations. But this year, it has been beyond the latest date of publication since 2012. The latest date that the AGO report was published is on July 20, in 2012.
The past dates in which the AGO report was signed and published. (View here for AGO’s website)
- 2015 – 1 July
- 2014 – 1 July
- 2013 – 1 July
- 2012 – 20 July
- 2011 – 15 July
- 2010 – 13 July
- 2009 – 1 July
The Auditor-General reports on the Government financial statements and his observations on internal controls and areas where due regard is not given by the entities audited. This report is submitted to the President, who shall then present it to Parliament.
The Audit Act also provides for the Auditor-General to bring to the notice of the Ministry of Finance any serious irregularities that have occurred in the accounting or custody of public moneys or public stores.
AGO is an independent organ of state and the national auditor which answers to the President. The agency plays an important role in enhancing public accountability in the management and use of public funds and resources through its audits.
Last year, AGO audited the grassroots organisations under the People’s Association (PA) for the first time since the formation of the entity.
Out of the 91 Community Club Management Committees (CCMCs) test checked by the AGO, 35 of them were found to have failed to obtain approvals from the relevant authorities for awarding 53 tenancy contracts worth a total of $17.78 million.
10 of the 35 CCMCs also did not obtain the relevant approvals for the direct award of 13 tenancy contracts worth a total of $3.67 million. These contracts were also given without competition, which can only be given under exceptional circumstances.
Tonic Oh, a CCC chairman was involved in approving the award of two contracts worth $32,000 and payments to a company where he held a senior management position.
PA said that its own investigation found no evidence of dishonesty. Minister Khaw who is the Member of Parliament for the Admiralty ward in Sembawang GRC said back then, “I am glad that the investigation panel found no evidence of dishonesty. Nonetheless, it was a related- party transaction that was not declared,” and added, “The CCC will study the investigation report and review its procedures to ensure that such lapses do not recur.”