Don’t weaken Auditor General’s office

There are valid concerns that the Public Audit Bill passed by Parliament could weaken the Auditor General’s office and rob it of its independence.

Under the proposed law, now awaiting presidential assent, the Public Service Commission will have a direct role in hiring and firing staff at the Auditor General’s office. And to determine its own budget through Parliament, the Auditor General’s will now need the input of the State-controlled Treasury. These developments open the door for State control and possibly political interference.

Under the proposed law, the Auditor General’s office will be prohibited from questioning government spending on matters of national security, and querying its policy objectives.

This office plays a critical role of scrutinising public expenditure, and shines the spotlight on those who seek to benefit through skewed allocation of public resources.

There have been numerous attempts to muzzle the Auditor General’s office when statutory reports of questionable spending are released, including veiled threats targeting individuals of this office.

It is, therefore, critical to protect this office and ensure that it remains independent. Critics have complained that there have been systematic attempts to weaken independent offices in recent years. The weakening of agencies to monitor spending would be self-defeating, even reckless

We, therefore, urge the President not to assent to this Bill in its current form; we ask that he recommends changes that will strengthen this office.

A functioning and independent Auditor General’s office would contribute significantly to reducing wastefulness in state agencies and help to rein in runaway corruption.