Key Factors Contributing to Lapses Reported in AGO Report in Recent Years

Parliamentary Question by Dr Charlene Chen:

To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance with respect to the Auditor-General’s Office annual audit reports (a) what key factors or trends have contributed to significant lapses and irregularities in recent years; (b) what challenges arise in overhauling systems to prevent recurrences; and (c) how does the Government plan to communicate rectifications to assure Singaporeans and strengthen public trust.

Parliamentary Reply by Second Minister for Finance, Ms Indranee Rajah:

The auditing and reporting process undertaken by the Auditor-General’s Office is an integral part of our system to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Our overall system is robust.  However it should be borne in mind that we are operating in a rapidly changing operating environment with increasing scale and complexity of government operations. With a high volume of transactions handled across the Public Service and multiple IT systems, human errors and process gaps will inevitably occur from time to time. Regardless, we are committed to continually improve how we operate.

The Government takes all observations in the AGO report seriously. In the event any gaps or lapses are identified, we will work to rectify the same, strengthen governance and keep up with changes. Changes are effected through cross-agency co-ordination, change management and staff adoption. We emphasise professional training and development to help public officers build capability in both technical skills and judgement in the conduct of their work and put in place robust processes and controls.  

The Auditor-General’s reports highlight issues alongside responses and remedial actions by agencies across domains and sectors. The Government may also issue public statements as appropriate depending on the nature and extent of the issue. The Auditor-General’s independent and transparent reporting process, followed by timely and constructive agencies’ responses, enhances accountability and helps uphold public trust.