LETTERS: In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan ending with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the government particularly the Public Service Department (PSD) should strictly monitor the financial spending of all government departments.
There is concern that some departments have started to spend a lot of money for extravagant office decorations to welcome Ramadan and the coming Aidilfitri.
At the same time, the calls for minimalism and moderation should not be confined to Ramadan only. It should be practised at all times as this concerns public money.
The government needs to strictly enforce the Financial Procedure Act (FPA) 1957 to deal with the matter.
According to the instructions given by the chief secretary to the government (KSN), in an effort to ensure optimal government spending, the organization of events, ceremonies, meetings, seminars and workshops is restricted to programmes deemed necessary.
The matter was stated in a circular to all ministry secretaries-general and heads of department and government agencies dated Oct 18, 2023.
"Public expenditure should be managed prudently, moderately, and in line with current needs to reduce the government's financial commitment and avoid wasting resources," according to the circular.
The directive also reminded controlling officers to carry out their duties and responsibilities as stipulated under Section 15A of the FPA. Public officials who fail to comply with the financial regulations that are in force can be subject to stern action under Section 18 of the Act.
The PSD should ensure all government departments and agencies adhere to the instructions.
With the current economic uncertainty and the issue over the high cost of living faced by people, public money should be spent on activities and programmes which bring significant benefits to the people and the country.
DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW
Associate Professor
Faculty of Syariah & Law
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times