By Thokozani Mazibuko
The Attorney General, Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo on Monday told Parliament it was wrong for the Public Accounts Committee to suspend its sitting based on the Prime Minister’s statement which he made in another forum.
“Parliament cannot stop its operations just because the Prime Minister spoke his opinion in another forum,” the AG told Parliament.
The AG went on to point out that it was wrong for the PAC to halt its operations as the PM has no authority over Parliament operations.
ALSO READ: Ae Trade Group meets Prime Minister, strengthens commitment to Eswatini
It should be noted that it all started on Thursday when Prime Minister Russel Dlamini during breakfast meeting with the Editor’s Forum questioned the authenticity of the Auditor General’s reports.
The PM had cast doubt on the incompetence of the office of the Auditor General. On Friday, then the Chairman of the PAC,
Madala Mhlanga during a press conference announced the suspension of the PAC sittings because they had to consult with the Attorney General’s Office and the House of Assembly.
The Chairman of the PAC on Monday then announced that the PAC would resume its sittings as soon as possible.
“Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the PAC, I would like to formally announce that the sittings are resume as from today,” Deputy Speaker, Madala Mhlanga told Parliament on Monday.
PAC Chairman lifts suspension of sitting
Deputy Speaker and Mhlangatane Member of Parliament, Madala Mhlanga on Monday announced that the PAC would resume its operations.
The Deputy Speaker had suspended the PAC sittings, on Friday during a Press conference.
“After consulting the Attorney General, I would like to announce that the suspension of sittings of the PAC is lifted.
We are all laymen in matters of the Law, we could have not proceeded after the Prime Minister’s statement. I have consulted and I am now satisfied,” the Deputy Speaker told Parliament.
PAC stands for Public Accounts Committee and it should be noted that the Deputy Speaker had pointed out in a Press Conference that this decision was taken following Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s statements on Thursday which he made about the office of the Auditor General.
ALSO READ: Deputy Prime Minister’s Office extends support to Philani Maswati Foundation
“Following what we all saw in the newspapers this morning concerning the Prime Minister’s statement during a breakfast meeting with the Media, I hereby announce the suspension on of the PAC sittings until further notice.
We have since decided to seek advice from the House and from the office of the Attorney General,” the Deputy Speaker said.
MP Mhlanga had stated that they will await a directive on whether to continue with their mandate or wait for the clearance of the allegations.
It should be noted that the PM raised questions in the office of the Auditor General when the Media posed questionsduring the breakfast meeting on Thursday.
“Should reports of the Auditor General be trusted and relied upon?” This was one of the questions raised by the PM when responding to questions posed by the Media.
It should be mentioned that the PAC’s mandate is to examine the audit report presented by the Auditor General in Parliament.
It serves as a check on the government’s expenditure bill. Ensures parliamentary grants are spent within the approved scope.
Conducts a comprehensive audit of government financial activities.
The PAC examines the accounts that show how the money granted by the Parliament has been spent by the government.
This includes the appropriation of funds, annual Finance Accounts, and other relevant accounts.
The committee also scrutinizes the financial transactions of the government.
This is to ensure that public funds are utilized properly and within the authorized scope.
The PAC reviews the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on the government’s financial management.
This includes revenue receipts, departmental expenditures, and accounts of autonomous bodies.
The committee identifies any financial mismanagement in the government’s financial practices and brings them to light.
Based on its findings, the PAC then recommends corrective measures to address the identified irregularities and improve financial accountability.
The committee examines the accounts of public undertakings that are assigned to it. This ensures transparency and accountability in their financial operations.
The PAC presents its reports to Parliament. It highlights its observations, recommendations, and any actions required from the government.
