Members oppose AG to oversee financial disclosure of Independent institution heads

Parliament Public Finance Committee members have stated that they are against the amendment that requires the disclosure of financial statements of independent institutions and state company heads to the Auditor General (AG).

Amendments to the Audit regulations and Privatization and Corporatization Act were submitted by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) and accepted by Parliament. It includes the publication of financial statements of independent institutions and state company heads by the AG.

During discussions held by the Public Accounts Committee, many members stated that handing that responsibility to the AG might introduce politics into the office.

“We do not want the Auditor General to be involved in any form of politics. If the Auditor General’s Office becomes a regulatory body, it will only add to its existing workload," said Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim.

Nazim stated that the amendment would open up the opportunity where the AG's standing is questioned, with political criticism being aimed at the AG as well when it comes to the acknowledgement of information in financial statements.

In its defense, Kelaa MP and PNC member Abdulla Shareef stated that since the AG office operates independently, they do not want their thinking to change into a political mindset, along with any conflicts that may arise due to that.

PNC member and Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq also stated that the financial statements of state leaders would be publicized under the Asset Recovery Bill that is being compiled by the government.

"Instead of amending specific bills, it will be easier when an Asset Declaration Bill is made. This is how it is done in various other countries if assets need to be declared under a specific bill," said Azaan.

South Hulhumale' MP Ahmed Shamheed also agreed that instead of amending various bills, creating a path where these issues can be solved through just one bill is the best course of action.

With that, today’s sitting concluded after the committee decided to proceed with the suggestions made by the Auditor General and the Attorney General.

Along with the previous amendment, North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) also submitted a bill where the financial statements of ministers would have to be disclosed to the Auditor General and make them public as well. That bill has been accepted by the Parliament.