KUCHING, Sept 27: The Sarawak Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently embarked on its inaugural visit to the Parliament House of the Republic of Germany.
During this visit, they engaged in a meaningful meeting with the Audit and Budget Committee to gain valuable insights into the checks and balances processes employed by both legislative houses.
According to a media release, the Sarawak PAC delegation was led by its chairman, who is also Beting Maro assemblyman, Razaili Gapor.
This visit marked a significant milestone as it was the first time the Sarawak PAC had the opportunity to explore a House of Representatives operating under a governance system distinct from that of the Commonwealth Countries.
Throughout their benchmarking visit, the Sarawak delegates received comprehensive briefings from the Bundestag of the Republic of Germany, particularly from chairman Martin Gerster of the Auditing Committee.
These sessions focused on elucidating the roles and functions of the German Committee, fostering an exchange of information regarding the checks and balances in place for both houses of the legislature.
The primary purpose of the Sarawak PAC’s visit to Germany was to observe and gain a deeper understanding of the operations of Germany’s Audit and Budget Committee.
This endeavour aimed to equip Sarawak PAC members with the knowledge needed to recognise and emphasise key differences of the parliamentary system, especially in relation to the functions of the Audit and Budget Committee.
This benchmarking visit serves as one of the many avenues for ongoing interaction between committee members and provides them with valuable insights into the functions of the Audit and Budget Committees of the Bundestag. It focuses on the meticulous scrutiny of federal expenditures, thereby enhancing their understanding of how the Federation’s funds are allocated and monitored.
The delegation consisted of Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Kabong assemblyman Mohd Chee Kadir, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, PAC Sarawak secretary Pele Peter Tinggom, Integrity and Ombudsman Unit director Semawi Mohamad, Sarawak accountant general Elaan Masa’at, Sarawak Internal Audit Unit director Toieyah Tioh, Financial Compliance and Asset Management Division of Sarawak Financial Secretary’s Office Jeferi Darhman and Kuching Resident Norleha Shariff. — DayakDaily
