"Government officers nowadays not up to standard" - Nur Jazlan

The tabling of the 2014 Auditor-Genaral's report on June 15 had unveiled various issues within the government department, especially involving financial management.

This issues raised various questions and doubts among the public when discussions are held about the integrity of these departments.

Among those affected by the situation is Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

Nur Jazlan, appointed to lead PAC in 2013 was disappointed by the issues faced within the department caused by the lackadaisical attitude displayed by the officers in-charge.

In an interview with Utusan Malaysia, Nur Jazlan said the quality displayed by the current government officers are not up to the standards set.

The careless attitude and the lack in knowledge about the duties given, creates various problems.

"What happens is that they are not bothered, do not read the current government rules and in many cases they do not follow the procedures set. This is what's happening now. This causes problem to PAC and the Auditor General's Department," said Nur Jazlan.

Touching on the shortcomings faced in the financial management of institutes of higher learning, he proposed that a higher standard be set to overcome the issue.

This is not impossible to be realised as those in-charge need only to care and manage what is taking place within the institution.

"To me, universities should use a higher financial management standard than the others as they are the educators of the next generation.

"The government is spending billions of ringgit a year for university budgets and they only need to care for the university," he said.

Nur Jazlan also voiced his concern in regards to the future of the government assets especially those involving unmovable assets such as civil servants residential quarters. Old buildings need to be refurbished and this cost is high.

Nur Jazlan at the same time added that he was satisfied when PAC's recommendation for the Finance Ministry to provide a written feedback in connection to the action taken on the officers mentioned was followed.