Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for audits to educate and engage the public as a tool for national improvement
PUTRAJAYA: Auditing should not be perceived as burdensome to the public and must be approachable, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, urging auditors to engage with and educate citizens.
Speaking at the National Audit Department’s 120th anniversary launch, Anwar said such engagement is key to ensuring that audits are understood as a tool for national improvement rather than merely a form of enforcement.
“Sometimes, the systems we introduce are perceived as overly burdensome or cumbersome.
“Every time we introduce reforms aimed at improvement, they are often opposed by those accustomed to inefficiency or irregularities.
“So how do we introduce new systems without making people feel oppressed or overly constrained? This requires the Auditor-General and the entire department to engage with, understand, and show empathy towards the public. I consider this crucial,” he said at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, as well as Communications Minister and Unity Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Anwar stressed that auditing must be explained as an empowering process.
“I do not want the perception that auditing systems are burdensome.
“Auditing must be explained as a way to improve systems, protect public funds, and benefit the people,” he added.
He said the true test of a strong auditing system lies in how effectively it engages and educates the public.
“If we want this country’s standing to be elevated, with systems that are more effective, efficient, transparent, and beneficial to the people, then the true test lies in how well we engage and educate the public,” he said.
He further encouraged innovation and outreach, particularly at the grassroots level, to ensure auditing is no longer seen as intimidating.
On curbing leakages, mismanagement, and abuse of power, Anwar also called for faster, more impactful audits.
“A strong and professional audit system is central to good governance and public accountability.
“If auditing is carried out effectively and promptly, it becomes difficult for leakages to occur. But weaknesses or delays will allow misuse of funds and abuse of power to continue,” he said.
Acknowledging that rigorous auditing will not always be popular, he said resistance is inevitable when checks and controls are strengthened.
“If there are no checks, then it is not auditing. We must take firmer and braver steps to ensure that this country stays on the right path.
“This requires commitment and a collective spirit from all parties. If we want this country to achieve a level of progress that we can be proud of, we have no choice but to mobilise all our strengths and drive change in the best possible way,” he said.