State Audit Institution Submits 2023 SAI Annual Report to HM The Sultan

Muscat, Sheikh Ghusonbin Hilal Al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI) submitted the annual report on the outcomes of its works for the year 2023 to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. SAI also sent copies of the annual report to both the Council of Ministers and the Council of Oman as per Article (66) of the Basic Law of the State, promulgated under Royal Decree No. 6/2021, and Article (29) of State Audit Law, promulgated under Royal Decree No. 111/2011. The SAI report included several topics resulted from the enforcement and extension of the Institution's audit on some government units, authorities, investments and companies according to the 2023 annual audit plan. SAI carried out (187) audit tasks that resulted in (185) audit reports, and their results were communicated to the entities concerned which demonstrated cooperation and response by taking corrective measures and remedies for the observations and implementing the Institution's recommendations. Some irregularities that constitu te criminal suspicions were referred to the Public Prosecution Department for further action. The SAI annual report included an audit of several topics in the government units, such as the final account of the State, tax assessment and collection activities, financial and administrative activities and performance evaluation of some directorates in the government units, as well as an audit of some aspects related to the sectors of commerce, economy, tourism, housing, labour, health, and education, besides some governors' offices. As for topics related to activities ofauthorities, investments and companies, the report included an audit of aspects concerned with the sectors of energy, minerals, aviation, environment, electricity, water, food security and other significant topics. The audited topics were reported to the entities concerned, including the SAI's observations and recommendations. During 2023, SAI dealt with (951) complaints and reports related to financial and administrative irregularities, improp er awarding of certain tenders, abuse of power and others, which were received via available communication channels. The Institution has studied and examined 87% of the received complaints and reports. The constructive cooperation between SAI and other State entities has contributed to the consolidation of the concept of responsibility to protect public fund and preserve the State's gains. Source: Oman News Agency