Auditor-general prepared to audit DEIG

Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang said he had no problem in carrying out an audit on the establishment of the Darul Ehsan Investment Group (DEIG) if it was under his purview.

Ambrin said he was currently reviewing and examining the particulars pertaining the establishment of the company.

"I am certainly keeping tabs with its (DEIG) development because I have to review the powers given to the auditor-general in the respective states.

"Like in Selangor, power has been given to me to audit the accounts of the state government and statutory bodies in the state.

"We also do the auditing for its subsidiaries," he told reporters after the Penang State Award Investiture ceremony to mark the 77th birthday of Penang Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at Dewan Sri Pinang here, today.

Ambrin topped the list of 1,275 recipients and was one of six recipients of the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri award, which carries the title Datuk Seri.

Asked on how long it would take to carry out the audit process, Ambrin said he was reviewing it based on the law under the Audit Act and the process which had to be adhered to.

DEIG is an entity which was established in December last year under Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) to manage investment, assets and business subsidiaries of the state government.

However, some members of the Selangor state assembly, including former menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim expressed concern over the transparency of the establishment of DEIG, which is said to take over the role of MBI.