Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Good intentions not a reason to flout Govt’s financial rules

I appreciate the depth of the report “‘Good intentions, not dishonesty’ at root of PA, grassroots lapses” (Aug 18).

I appreciate the depth of the report “‘Good intentions, not dishonesty’ at root of PA, grassroots lapses” (Aug 18).

Good intentions are not good reasons for circumventing the Government’s financial rules, which do provide for waiver of competition where needed, but an authorised office holder or holders must approve this.

Having financial and procurement officers who are properly trained is not enough to stop the abuse of financial instructions. All senior officials, including ministers and chief executives, should understand the need to comply with financial procedures.

They should know, at least broadly, what the financial rules are, what their duties are and the importance of managing public finances, and ensure that internal controls exist for the proper management of public money.

Volunteers such as grassroots leaders should never be allowed to approve public expenditure or incur expenditure without approval. In short, People’s Association (PA) deputy chairman Lim Swee Say is not saying the right thing.

The Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council leaders can give the same excuse. But there is no excuse for flouting the Government’s financial and accounting rules, which have stood the test of time.

There are also guidelines on what to do if current rules are inadequate to cover new requirements, and approved, proper channels exist for the handling of exceptional situations.

I am sure that all the PA’s activities or work have good intentions as their basis. Can a good government, or the PA for that matter, do things with bad intentions?

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.