Under the Patronage of The Governor of South Batinah, SAI Holds an Awareness Seminar on Protecting Public Funds and Promoting Integrity
Under the Patronage of The Governor of South Batinah, SAI Holds an Awareness Seminar on Protecting Public Funds and Promoting Integrity
Date of Publication: Feb 12, 2025, 3:06 PM
In cooperation with the Governor of South Batinah office, State Audit Institution carried out an awareness seminar entitled "Protecting Public Funds and Promoting Integrity, Institutional Roles and Community Partnership" in South Batinah Governorate, on Wednesday, February 12, 2024 at the office of His Excellency the Wali of Rustaq.
The seminar was patronized by His Excellency. Eng. Masoud bin Saeed Al Hashemi, Governor of South Batinah, in the presence of Her Excellency Zahra bint Mohammed Reda Al Lawatia, SAI Deputy Chairman for Audit on Authorities, Investments and Companies, and a number of honored members of the State Council, their Excellencies members of the Shura Council and governors, officials from the units of the civil and military administrative apparatus, and CEOs of government-owned companies in the governorate.
The seminar opened with a speech by Yahya Al Kindi, Director of Audit on Education Sector Department, in which he explained that the seminar aims to highlight SAI role in protecting public funds and promoting integrity, in accordance with the State Audit Law issued by Royal Decree No. 111/2011 and the Law on the Protection of Public Funds and Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest issued by Royal Decree No. 112/2011, along with other relevant laws. He emphasized that the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the State Audit Institution and relevant government entities, has worked towards enhancing the efficiency of public fund utilization, optimizing human and financial resources, and safeguarding the achievements of the renaissance. This reflects the wise vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, contributing to sustainable development, economic growth, and societal well-being, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
In the speech, Al-Kindi emphasized the importance of institutional partnership in efficiently and effectively managing various resources. This, in turn, ensures the proper execution of responsibilities and the achievement of assigned objectives with high efficiency. SAI also seeks, through its media and awareness activities, to enhance public understanding of laws and procedures related to public funds and public service, raise awareness about the importance of partnership in protecting public funds and combating corruption, and instill and strengthen integrity values among different segments of society.
Following this, the seminar’s key topics were presented. Shibib Al-Busaidi, Director General of the General Directorate of Legal Works at SAI, reviewed the laws governing the SAI’s work, explaining the methodology it follows in implementing its objectives and responsibilities. He provided a detailed explanation of the audit process, the procedures followed when identifying observations and violations, and the reports issued by SAI. He also highlighted its primary role in protecting public funds, promoting integrity, and combating corruption. Additionally, he pointed out the measures taken by the Institution when the Sultanate of Oman joined the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the subsequent steps that showcased the Sultanate’s efforts in various related fields.
After that, Dr. Mubarak Al-Rahbi discussed the societal roles in protecting public funds and outlined the channels provided by the Institution for submitting complaints and reports, along with the mechanism for reviewing them. He also highlighted the impact of audit efforts and the added value based on the findings summarized in SAI’s 2023 annual report. Furthermore, key observations identified in the oversight of government tenders and auctions were addressed.
The seminar concluded with an engaging discussion session, where specialists from the authority participated in addressing attendees' perspectives and responding to their inquiries.