Reinvestigate 1AZAM programme, says PAC
THE STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is calling for reinvestigation into the 1AZAM programme over losses suffered due to poor management.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin (pix) said that although the programme should continue, there was weakness in management, resulting in leakages.
"The PAC views seriously the weaknesses in the implementation of the programme which had resulted in leakages.
"It is understood that the case is being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
"As such, the PAC recommends that the Public Services Department reinvestigate the matter, " he said in a statement after tabling the PAC report in Parliament Thursday.
Hasan added the 1AZAM should continue but there must be detailed vetting before aid was approved for participants who would benefit directly from the programme.
The parliamentary bi-partisan committee based its findings on the Auditor-General's Report 2013.
Among the weaknesses was the supply of RM8mil worth of equipment by 22 suppliers without any specification details and absence of supply standard operating procedures.
The report noted that eight out of 10 participants had received equipment worth RM5,000 each, which were either faulty, spoilt or did not last long.
"Sixty-four out of 265 participants did not benefit from the equipment provided resulting in wastage," according to the the report.
The 1AZAM programme was launched in 2010 aimed at providing aid and economic opportunities to low income and hardcore poor families.
The programme is spearheaded by the Women, Family and Community Ministry with the assistance of several other agencies.
.jpg)
