PAC: HR Ministry misinterpreted recommendation over HRD Corp

PARLIAMENT | The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has rebuked the Human Resources Ministry for misinterpreting a recommendation it made in its report in July.

In a statement, PAC pointed out that it previously suggested the ministry appoint an independent consultant to conduct a forensics audit on training programmes under the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp).

However, the ministry had somehow misinterpreted it as the committee suggesting they engage a consultant to review the Auditor-General’s Report.

“PAC found that there has been a misunderstanding in the Human Resource’s interpretation of PAC’s seventh recommendation.

“Through this recommendation, PAC did not mean to suggest that the ministry appoint an independent consultant to review the Auditor-General's Report.

“Instead, what we meant was (for the ministry to) appoint an independent consultant to carry out a forensics audit aimed at scrutinising the effectiveness of training programmes under HRD Corp.

“This (recommendation) was made based on complaints against disorder in its management of training,” said the statement, which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat by PAC member Sim Tze Zin this afternoon.

Thus, Sim said, PAC urged the ministry and HRD Corp to carry out its recommendation and report back to the committee.

Separate legal officer, company secretary

On a related matter, PAC in a statement reiterated its call for HRD Corp to appoint separate individuals to act as its legal officer and company secretary.

This came after the agency through its board of directors and Remuneration Committee insisted that HRD Corp maintain its current structure.

According to PAC, the two roles should be played by different individuals to ensure good governance in HRD Corp’s board of directors and top management body.

“This committee insists that the Human Resources Ministry take immediate action to separate the roles to ensure good governance in HRD Corp.”

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