Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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PUTRAJAYA (Jan 8): The closure of the government account which was made late for the first time on Dec 21 last year compared to the usual November 15 was to ensure that the government's functions did not stop too long before entering the new year, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He said the closure of the government's account in November in the past had made it difficult for the government as payments could not be made for more than a month.

"Although for the first time we close (account) on Dec 21, we are grateful that the balance is still surplus, no deficit.

"It shows good financial management based on efficient, trustworthy and transparent (CAT) and it demonstrates a system which complies with the programme and accounting principles which are accepted internationally," he told a press conference, here today.

According to Lim, the practice of closing accounts in November was unprofessional and made for political purposes.

"To show a beautiful account, close the account quickly. But the government is not functioning for a month-and-a-half and this is very irresponsible," he said.

Earlier, he submitted an allocation of RM25 million under the 2019 Budget for registered religious schools (sekolah pondok) to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

Lim said the allocation for the first time was given at the same time to ensure more orderly plannings could be made rather than submitting in stages during the year as previously practised.

"This also shows the government's commitment to Islamic education ... the evidence the Pakatan Harapan government is open to a progressive and quality education system," he said.

Meanwhile, Mujahid said 228 religious schools (sekolah pondok) and secondary religious schools (SAR) nationwide which were registered would receive the allocation.

"This provision will be implemented as best as possible," he said.
 

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