New Committee Formed to Tackle Financial Irregularities, Says PM Anwar

Putrajaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the establishment of the Serious Irregular Action Committee (JTKS), a new body tasked with handling audit findings related to financial irregularities, under the auspices of the National Tatakelola Cabinet Special Committee (JKKTN).

Anwar himself chaired the JKKTN meeting on Tuesday (June 3) and made the decision. The Prime Minister emphasized that the formation of JTKS reflects the government’s strong commitment to enhancing fiscal discipline and accountability within public institutions and government-linked companies (GLCs).

“Serious attention was given to audit findings related to irregularities that could affect the credibility of the country’s fiscal management,” Anwar said in a Facebook post. “The JTKS will ensure more holistic, targeted, and high-impact follow-up actions in line with the principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity.”

As part of the initiative, the government also plans to strengthen the role of the National Audit Department through amendments to the Audit Act 1957. These amendments are expected to enhance the department’s enforcement capabilities and broaden its scope.

Last month, Auditor-General Wan Suraya Wan Radzi highlighted that the amended Audit Act, which came into force last year, now empowers the department to audit 1,856 government-linked companies (GLCs). She noted that beyond the recovery of public funds, audits serve to uncover serious irregularities, including governmental lapses or systemic failures.

The establishment of JTKS and the reinforcement of audit mechanisms are an important move forward in the government’s broader reform agenda aimed at restoring public trust, promoting good governance, and ensuring responsible use of public funds.