SAI dealt with 1,378 complaints of financial and administrative violations

Times of Oman

2 days ago

Muscat: Sheikh Ghuson bin Hilal Al Alawi, Chairman of State Audit Institution (SAI) has submitted the SAI 2024 Annual Report on the outcomes of its work to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Throughout the year, SAI dedicated all its resources and capabilities to fulfilling its national role by carrying out its assigned responsibilities and achieving its objectives with high level of efficiency and professionalism. It also promoted effective institutional and societal partnership in support of the goals of sustainable development.
SAI has also sent copies of the Annual Report to the Council of Ministers, the State Council and the Shura Council. This move comes as per Article (66) of the Basic Law of the State, issued under Royal Decree No. 6/2021, and Article (29) of State Audit Law, issued under Royal Decree No. 111/2011.
These articles stipulate that SAI (the Authority) shall prepare an annual report on the results of its work, and the Chairman of the Institution (Authority) submits it directly to His Majesty the Sultan. A copy of the report is also sent to the Council of Ministers, State and Shura Councils before the end of the following financial year.
The report included several topics resulting from SAI's exercise of its mandates and audit of government units, authorities, investments, and companies subject to its audit, in accordance with the approved 2024 annual audit plan. The execution of these tasks took into consideration the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and was guided by the principles, foundations, and standard guidelines of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), particularly with regard to comprehensiveness, clarity, conciseness, accuracy, objectivity, and audit manuals.
Based on materiality and risk analysis, and applying the principle of sample-based auditing, SAI carried out 225 audit tasks, which resulted in 172 audit reports. The findings were communicated to the relevant entities, which responded positively by taking corrective actions and implementing SAI's recommendations. In addition, some irregularities that constituted criminal suspicions were referred to the Public Prosecution for appropriate legal action.
The report also included a statement outlining SAI's efforts to promote integrity, presenting statistics on financial and administrative violations and the actions taken in response. It also covered following up on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, as well as SAI's participation in the meetings, conferences, relevant agreements, and committees associated with it. In addition, the report detailed SAI's review of draft laws, regulations, and systems prepared by the entities subject to the audit of SAI, providing comments regarding them. The report also showcased SAI's efforts in carrying out a number of awareness activities and training programs, and preparing related manuals aimed at protecting public fund and promoting integrity.
The Annual Report also included the review of various topics within government units, such as the audit of the State's final account for the year 2024, review of tax collection and assessment, review of financial and administrative activities, and evaluation of the performance of certain directorates and departments within these units. With regard to matters related to the activities of authorities, investments, and companies, the report covered several topics related to the sectors of energy, minerals, aviation, environment, electricity, water, food security, wastewater, and other important matters that were reported to the relevant entities along with SAI's observations and recommendations.
With regard to community partnership, based on the principle that protecting public fund is a joint responsibility, SAI dealt with 1,378 complaints and reports in 2024 concerning financial and administrative violations, the integrity of awarding some tenders, abuse of power, and other related issues. These were received through various communication channels, and approximately 90% of the complaints and reports have been examined and addressed. It is important to note that SAI's complaints and reports window was selected as one of the best practices by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
The report also featured an overview of the key media and awareness initiatives undertaken by SAI, aimed at fostering optimal awareness and adherence to ethical practices at both institutional and societal levels. A total of 187 media and awareness programs, activities, and events were carried out in 2024.