: Parliament to Grill Public Entities over Audit Irregularities
SUBHEADLINE: Over 100 Institutions and Projects to Face MPs' Scrutiny in Public Hearings In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to conduct a series of public hearings from June 25 to July 15, where over 100 public entities and projects will be grilled over audit queries. This move is expected to shed light on irregularities and discrepancies in the management of public funds, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The public hearings, which will be conducted over a period of three weeks, will provide a platform for the PAC to scrutinize the financial statements of various institutions and projects, and seek explanations for any irregularities or discrepancies identified in the audit reports. This exercise is crucial in ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively, and that those responsible for managing these funds are held accountable for their actions. The institutions and projects that will appear before the PAC include government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as state-owned enterprises and projects. The committee will be scrutinizing their financial statements, and seeking explanations for any irregularities or discrepancies identified in the audit reports. Some of the key areas of focus will include procurement practices, financial management, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. In recent years, Fiji has witnessed a number of high-profile cases of financial irregularities and mismanagement, which have resulted in significant losses to the public purse. The passage of several key pieces of legislation, including the Public Order (Amendment) Act, the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Act, and the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, has been aimed at strengthening the country's governance framework and promoting transparency and accountability. The PAC's public hearings come at a time when there is growing concern about the management of public funds and the need for greater transparency and accountability. The committee's exercise is expected to provide a much-needed platform for scrutiny and oversight, and to promote a culture of accountability among public officials. In the coming weeks, the PAC's public hearings are likely to generate significant interest and attention, as the public seeks to understand the extent of financial irregularities and mismanagement in the country. The committee's findings and recommendations will be closely watched, and are expected to have significant implications for the country's governance framework. As the PAC prepares to conduct its public hearings, the Fijian public is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this exercise. Will the committee's scrutiny lead to greater transparency and accountability among public officials? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however - the PAC's public hearings are a crucial step towards promoting good governance and ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.