PAC: Other ministers should follow Sim's example

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has commended Human Resources Minister Steven Sim for his proactive approach to addressing the issues within HRD Corp by appointing independent auditors.

This follows revelations in the Auditor-General’s Report 2/2024 by Auditor-General Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, which highlighted serious mismanagement of funds within the government-linked corporation.

“Although the issues reported by PAC and the Auditor-General’s Report occurred before Sim became the human resources minister, his willingness to appoint an independent audit firm based on the PAC and auditor-general’s findings should serve as an example to other cabinet ministers,” PAC chairperson Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said in a statement today.

The PAC also asked that the findings of the independent audit be presented to the committee when the ministry and HRD Corp are summoned again in September for a follow-up.

HRD Corp has come under scrutiny for mismanaging hundreds of millions of ringgit in training grants, investments, and property purchases.

Among others, the audit report revealed poor governance in the management of RM3.727 billion, resulting in unrealised losses of RM49.38 million from the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).

In response to these findings, Sim has not only appointed independent auditors but also lodged a report with the MACC, pledging not to shield anyone involved.

YOURSAY | Take action on those behind HRD Corp fiasco now

HRD Corp probe: I won't protect anyone, minister says

MACC obtains documents from HR Ministry in HRD Corp probe

PKR MP calls for HRD Corp CEO's suspension pending probe

HRD Corp: MACC forms special investigation team

COMMENT | HRD Corp's defiance, denials cannot become truth