Weaknesses of Malaysian public procurement: a review of auditor general’s reports

Purpose This paper aims to systematically analyze the weaknesses of public procurement in Malaysia as reported in the Auditor General’s Reports from 2011 until 2018. Specifically, the study examines the types of weaknesses, the modes of public procurement involved with the weaknesses, the procurement categories involved with the weaknesses and the key recommendations to mitigate the weaknesses in public procurement. Design/methodology/approach A document analysis was adopted in achieving the objective. The Auditor General’s reports and the reports of activities of federal ministries/departments published by the National Audit Department, Malaysia from the year 2011 until 2018 are the main documents used in this study. The data gathered were analyzed using frequency distribution and displayed with descriptive statistics and relevant graphs. Findings The findings of the study revealed that the top five reported are non-compliance to scope, specifications and terms of contracts; delayed completion/non-completion of project; poor documentation; low quality of products, service and work; and little or no prior planning. It is also found that direct negotiation mode was reported with the highest issues of public procurement, while the procurement mode with the least public procurement weaknesses is direct purchase. Moreover, it was found that work category is the highest with public procurement issues reported compared to supplies and services. The top recommendations given by the Auditor General were to improve internal control, to enhance monitoring, to establish planning in details, to improve assets management and to take appropriate actions toward contractors and procurement officers when needed. Originality/value This is among a few studies that attempted to systematically examine the main issues regarding the public procurement activities in Malaysia. This study highlighted pertinent aspects of the public procurement activities, which need close attention by the relevant authorities to ensure efficient and effective public procurement.

Les particularismes des institutions financières supérieures de contrôle au Royaume-Uni et aux États-Unis

Le Government Accountability Office (GAO) aux États-Unis et le National Audit Office (NAO) au Royaume-Uni se rapprochent du modèle de la Cour des comptes françaises par leurs missions : s’assurer, en toute indépendance, du bon emploi de l’argent public. Ils s’en éloignent en revanche parce que les deux institutions ont fait ce travail, selon les époques, au profit soit du législatif soit de l’exécutif.

EP.FRI.771 National audit on VTE prophylaxis for lower limb injuries treated in a plaster cast

Aims Audit to assess Orthopaedic departments’ compliance with NICE guidelines on Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis published in 2010, specifically looking at VTE practices for patients with lower limb injuries treated in a plaster cast. Methods A telephonic survey was carried out on junior doctors within orthopaedic departments of 66 hospitals across all regions of England. A questionnaire was completed regarding VTE risk assessment, prophylaxis and hospital guidelines etc. Data collected from August 2016 till February 2017. Results 83% (n = 55) of trusts routinely give VTE prophylaxis to these patients. 96% (n = 64) give Chemoprophylaxis of some sort. Formal VTE assessments are performed in 81% (n = 54) and 77% (n = 51) have a local VTE prophylaxis policy. Conclusions We conclude that Orthopaedic departments across England have increased compliance with NICE guidelines for VTE prophylaxis. However there is considerable variation in practice, especially in duration and chemoprophylaxis agent. We attribute this to the lack of specific NICE guidelines for this cohort of patients. We aim that this study can influence NICE to introduce added guidance that will standardise practice.