MPS are seeking ministerial accountability for all financial and administrative violations cited in the National Audit Office’s (NAO) annual report 2020-2021.
They have called for tough action against violators in ministries and government bodies, along with holding ministers responsible.
MPs have also demanded that all money ‘lost, squandered or wasted’ be returned to government coffers.
They are among 11 recommendations forwarded by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee for debate during Tuesday’s session.
The committee reviewed the report and found that the government has implemented 245 out of 337 recommendations regarding closing financial statements in the 2018-2019 report, which means 92 (27 per cent) still remained without any explanation.
“It also noted that 741 out of 922 recommendations regarding commitment to laws, rules, decisions and procedures in the 2019-2020 report have been met, while 181 (20pc) have not been addressed,” added committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom.
“Out of 573 performance assessment recommendations in the 2019-2020 report, 479 have been changed while 94 (16pc) remain.
“The government has to implement NAO recommendations in the 2019-2020 report on job-seekers and flexi permits that are still unattended.”
MPs also want the government to clamp down on repeated offences.
“Parliament recommends the NAO include a chapter in the report for all repeated offences with updates on the progress of action,” said Mr Al Salloom.
“The government has to activate internal monitoring and take serious action against violating employees.”
“Responsible ministers should face parliamentary action for violations registered in their ministries or bodies, while lost, stolen or squandered money should be recovered.
“The Finance and National Economy Ministry has to ensure all ministries and government bodies meet their financial commitments with regard to spending, revenue and assets.”
Mr Al Salloom said a special recommendation for food security has been included in the committee’s findings following the pandemic. He called on the government to present a thorough plan to tackle crises, if any, in the future.
The Cabinet last month directed government agencies to follow up on the recommendations. They have been asked to take measures to develop the management of public funds as well as their administrative and financial performance.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, emphasised the importance of strengthening accountability and responsibility across government work streams to achieve Bahrain’s comprehensive development.
The main observations by NAO include a 28pc fall in revenues, BD15 billion rise in public debt, BD28 million municipal fees arrears and BD2,398m taken as loans by ministry and government bodies.
The report also highlighted the lack of a national food security strategy and the absence of wireless Internet networks in 47 schools.
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