KUCHING: Sarawak’s Cabinet Special Committee (CABCOM) presented its latest findings to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Monday (Mar 2), marking a significant milestone in the government’s push for stronger financial accountability across public agencies.
Meeting at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi, the committee reported that all 81 Financial Statements and Budget Estimates Reports from State Statutory Bodies and Local Authorities were successfully submitted and reviewed in 2025 — a 100% completion rate that the committee described as a notable achievement since CABCOM’s establishment in January 2023.
Now in its third year of operation, the committee has been tasked with scrutinising the financial governance of 26 State Statutory Bodies and 26 Local Authorities.
Its central mandate is to ensure that public expenditure remains aligned with approved strategic plans and budgets, underpinning what the government describes as prudent and well-planned financial management.
However, the occasion was not without its concerns. Five State Statutory Bodies received Qualified Opinions from the Auditor General this year, drawing attention to deficiencies in how their 2024 financial statements were prepared.
Auditors found that these agencies had failed to fully comply with the Malaysian Private Entities Reporting Standard (MPERS), with shortcomings identified in areas including revenue recognition, asset and liability reporting, and the disclosure of financial information.
The agencies concerned were urged to take corrective action and to ensure strict adherence to the relevant standards going forward.
CABCOM reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a continuous improvement and review platform, in keeping with the government’s broader vision of an integrity-driven and sustainable public sector.
