No Impropriety Or Illegality In Late Declarations Of Charge Card Expenses, Says Khazanah

Source: http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=983662

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The government's investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, has denied any element of impropriety or illegality in the late declarations of charge card expenses by its staff. Khazanah said contrary to reports on comments made by DAP Member of Parliament for Segambut, Lim Lip Eng, there is no incidence of false claims or improper and unauthorised expenses concerning the late declarations as highlighted in the 2012 Auditor General's Report.
"The matter concerned is administrative in nature and involves delays in submitting documentation on work expenses by some staff members within the stipulated timeframe of two months of an expense being incurred; it does not involve false or improper expenses.
"It is to be noted that Khazanah imposes a salary deduction by the third month for any further delay, and the deductions are regularised upon submission of the necessary documentation," it said in a statement today.
Khazanah said it views with concern the insinuations and suggestions of unlawful or criminal conduct by its staff, attributed by Lim in his comments as quoted in media reports.
"In this regard, we hope this clarification will put to rest these concerns, and we would further add that we will not hesitate to take the necessary steps so as to protect our interests at all times," it said.
Khazanah said it views positively both the genuine concerns of the public and the various oversight measures placed on the state fund, including the National Audit Department's periodic audits, as a positive check and balance to strengthen its systems and performance.
"In this regard, we are pleased to note that the 2012 AG's Report concluded that overall, Khazanah's financial performance for the period from 2009 to 2012 was good.
"The management of its investment and divestment activities was systematic and adhered to all established procedures, and the management and monitoring of its investments were systematic and achieved the objectives set by the company," it said.
-- BERNAMA