Many people have commented on the recent annual report issued by the Financial and Administrative Audit Bureau. I am unable to take any stress due to a medical condition, and hence did not even attempt to read through the report. I know some of it could be very serious.
The bureau has completed its job and done it well with absolute transparency and the report is now in public domain for all to see.
This is all because of His Majesty King Hamad and his reform project, making Bahrain a state of institutions and the law.
But returning to the contents of the report, I am frankly surprised that we have not taken fair and strict administrative and legal measures so far against those who have violated several rules and regulations.
I worked for 37 years in a private company and have watched how the organisation was managed from the administrative and financial systems in an orderly and fair manner.
There is a board of directors that sets visions, tasks, strategies and plans and continuously follows up the company’s businesses through its chief executive.
The executive management implements the directives of the board of directors and also the rules and regulations according to the approved budget.
Various departments of the institution are committed to the implementation and compliance of all those procedures adopted and so on. Consequently, both the employee and the administrator have to follow set laws and must respect them.
All employees find that the system is applied properly and there is no abuse, and if anyone tries to do so, the institution does not hesitate to take legal and administrative measures against them.
In other words, there is a clear administrative system and regulations and everyone knows their responsibilities and powers.
It is, therefore, difficult for anyone to go around these according to his whims or personal interests.
I find that irregularities in state institutions are often caused by the absence of such regulations and a proper hierarchy – so officials often find large gaps and exploit them.
I believe it is necessary to establish a strict system and those who do not abide by the law should face action.
There are a lot of private companies and banks in Bahrain doing a wonderful job administratively and have been able, thanks to their systems and policies, to scale new heights.
I see no harm here in government agencies benefiting from their experience and professionalism.
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