Chairman of State Audit Institution Submits the 2023 SAI Annual Report to His Majesty the Sultan
Chairman of State Audit Institution Submits the 2023 SAI Annual Report to His Majesty the Sultan
Date of Publication: Jul 9, 2024, 4:41 PM
In implementation of the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, State Audit Institution sent copies of the annual report on the results of its works for the year 2023 to both the Council of Ministers and the Council of Oman, in light of the report submission to His Majesty the Sultan by His Excellency Sheikh Ghuson bin Hilal Al Alawi, Chairman of State Audit Institution, as per Article (66) of the Basic Law of the State, promulgated under Royal Decree No. 6/2021, and Article (29) of State Audit Law, promulgated under Royal Decree No. 111/2011. The Institution directed all its resources and capabilities to perform its national role in implementing the responsibilities and achieving the goals entrusted to it with a high level of efficiency and professionalism, within the framework of active partnership at the institutional and societal levels in a manner that serves the sustainable development march.
The annual report was prepared in compliance with technical rules and guidelines based on standards issued by relevant international organizations in terms of comprehensiveness, clarity, brevity, accuracy and objectivity.
The report included several topics resulted from the enforcement and extension of the Institution’s audit on some government units, authorities, investments and companies according to the 2023 annual audit plan, taking into account the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The annual audit plan was also guided by the principles, foundations and standards approved by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) and audit work manuals as well as in accordance with the relative materiality and risk analysis based on the principle of audit by sample. The Institution carried out (187) audit tasks that resulted in (185) audit reports, and their results were communicated to the concerned entities which demonstrated cooperation and response by taking corrective measures and remedies for the observations and implementing the Institution’s recommendations. Some irregularities that constitute criminal suspicions were referred to the Public Prosecution for further action.
The report also outlined the Institution’s efforts in promoting integrity, reflecting statistically the financial and administrative irregularities and the measures taken thereon, as well as its activities pertaining to the work of the anti-corruption authority and follow-up the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption. The participation of the Institution in meetings and conferences on the UN Convention against Corruption, Arab Anti-Corruption Convention and the committees concerned with combating corruption in the GCC countries was also incorporated in the report. It highlighted the review of draft laws, regulations and systems prepared by entities subject to the audit of the Institution and provision of observations thereon. In addition, the report reflected the Institution’s activities regarding the organization of some events and the preparation of programs and manuals related to the protection of public fund and the promotion of integrity.
Notably, the annual report included an audit of several topics in the government units, such as the final account of the State, tax assessment and collection activities, financial and administrative activities and performance evaluation of some directorates in the government units, as well as an audit of some aspects related to the sectors of commerce, economy, tourism, housing, labor, health, and education, besides some governors’ offices. As for topics related to activities of authorities, investments and companies, the report included an audit of aspects concerned with the sectors of energy, minerals, aviation, environment, electricity, water, food security and other significant topics. The audited topics were reported to the concerned entities, including the Institution’s observations and recommendations.
With regard to community partnership as per the principle of protection of public fund is the responsibility of all, the Institution, during 2023, dealt with (951) complaints and reports related to financial and administrative irregularities, improper awarding of certain tenders, abuse of power and others, which were received via available communication channels. The Institution has studied and examined 87% of the received complaints and reports. In addition, the report reviewed the highlights of media and awareness activities, through which the Institution aimed to achieve optimal awareness and follow honest practices at both institutional and societal levels. A total of 235 media and awareness programs, activities and events were implemented in 2023.
The constructive cooperation between the Institution and other State entities has contributed to the consolidation of the concept of responsibility to protect public fund and preserve the State’s gains, which had a positive impact on the results of the 2023 audit plan implementation and achievement of its objectives, in conformity with the national priorities and strategic directions set out in Oman Vision 2040 and in furtherance of the renewed renaissance march under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.