Govt to review National Professors Council after audit report

PARLIAMENT | Following the findings of the Auditor-General’s Report, the government will reassess the status of the National Professors Council (NPC).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the decision was made because the report highlighted financial mismanagement and unsatisfactory corporate governance practices within the council.

“A study is underway to evaluate and review the NPC’s status as a company under the government’s purview, taking into account the goals of its foundation.

“Subject to the review’s findings, the report’s recommendation to amend the NPC’s articles of association and appoint government representatives as members of the Board of Trustees to directly oversee its operations and finances can be considered,” she said.

Zaliha (above) was speaking during her winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

According to the audit report, the NPC used RM373,516 to fund two companies owned by members of the council’s Board of Trustees.

The NPC was also found to have made fixed allowance payments to its chairperson and deputy chairperson totalling RM207,000 without the approval of the Board of Trustees or the relevant minister.

Among the payments the NPC reportedly made without the Board of Trustees approval were:

• Research fellows’ honoraria amounting to RM399,000.

• Installation of elevators and office renovations: RM82,500.

• Salary adjustments for top management: RM62,500.

• Fixed allowances for the president/CEO: RM66,000.

MACC investigating

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran said the government is determined to uphold the law.

He announced that the MACC is actively examining documents, identifying witnesses to be called, and recording statements regarding the issues raised against the NPC.

Minister of the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said presented the motion to debate the report on Tuesday.

It was approved in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday with a majority voice vote.

Fifty-two MPs from the government and opposition debated the report, and several involved ministries wrapped up the discussion.

COMMENT | What exactly does the professors' council do?

Auditor-general finds abuse of funds in National Professors Council