Malaysians in general read with aghast the Auditor-General's Annual Report for 2006. It was unbelievable that the various government departments paid exorbitant prices for common items. Besides over-spending, other flaws included corruption, poor management of funds, incomplete and outdated data and lack of enforcement and manpower.

This is not the first time that an audit report has revealed inconsistencies and abuse in government departments. Year in and year out similar reports have brought out such discrepancies in financial management. Unfortunately no remedial actions were taken. Malaysians seem to have very short memories for such unpleasant incidences and the culprits are soon forgotten.

Auditor-General Ambrin Buang has proposed a star-rating system for ministries. This is a good and in the right direction. If implemented properly, it will go a long way in ensuring that everyone in the civil service, from secretaries-general to clerks, work efficiently.

However the government must first find out why such mismanagement of public money occurs year in and year out. Why were remedial measures not taken? There are set procedures and protocol for purchases and spending - why were these being blatantly ignored? The government should go to the root of the problem so that it can be overcome once and for all.

Those responsible for the mismanagement of public funds must be identified and made to face appropriate disciplinary action without fear or favour. Only by firm action against these irresponsible officers can repetition of similar misuses can be prevented.

At the same time civil servants should be educated to carry out proper management of government assets and responsibilities. They should be made to realise that they are managing the hard-earned money of the taxpayers. Every ringgit saved by their prudence will benefit the 'rakyat'. If there is dishonesty and wastage of such public funds, it would be the greatest betrayal and injustice to the very people whom they are employed to serve.

Ambrin Buang and his team should be commended for the excellent job they have done to expose weaknesses in the financial management of the various. The ball is now in the court of our political leaders. Do they have the will to stop this misuse of public funds?