Muscat: The State Audit Institution (SAI) has ramped up its initiatives to safeguard public finances, enhance transparency, and fight corruption, thereby playing a vital role in improving the nation’s governance in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Entrusted with the oversight of financial and administrative activities involving state-owned funds and government-supervised entities, the SAI ensures adherence to the regulations set forth in the State Financial and Administrative Audit Law, established by Royal Decree No. 111/2011.
The institution supervises the entities under its purview and assesses their performance to ensure financial discipline and maintain administrative integrity.
Dr. Hamir bin Nasser Al Mahrouqi, the SAI spokesperson, highlighted the significance of these initiatives, stating: “To fulfill our responsibilities and meet the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040, we are allocating all our resources towards thorough financial oversight. This encompasses accounting, legal considerations, as well as administrative and performance audits.”
Beyond monitoring financial discrepancies and investments, the institution is tasked with auditing all accounts of the entities within its jurisdiction.
Dr. Al Mahrouqi noted that the SAI’s initiatives are essential for enforcing laws and regulations, preventing conflicts of interest, and addressing financial and administrative infractions. These measures also reinforce the principles of preventive oversight and encourage the efficient and effective utilization of public resources.
He remarked that their initiatives have resulted in recovery, collection, and financial savings, while also enhancing institutional performance. These accomplishments are detailed in the quarterly community summaries, which showcase the added value of the institution's efforts.
National collaboration has played a crucial role in the success of the SAI’s programs.
Dr. Al Mahrouqi emphasized the institution’s robust partnership with various government entities, highlighting the formation of joint committees, cooperative programs, and meetings at different operational levels. These partnerships aim to improve coordination, increase procedural flexibility, and facilitate the sharing of information and data.
“Through these initiatives, we are ensuring the effective utilization of national resources and protecting public funds. This national collaboration also aids in the efficient enforcement of laws and regulations, thereby enhancing institutional performance across government sectors,” he stated.
On the international front, Dr. Al Mahrouqi underscored Oman’s dedication to strengthening ties with regional and global organizations focused on integrity and anti-corruption efforts.
The Sultanate of Oman has been particularly proactive in working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Secretariat of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
“The SAI engages in technical committees, leverages international publications, and closely monitors reports and indicators from these organizations. We analyze these findings to formulate strategies aimed at improving Oman’s position in global anti-corruption efforts,” Dr. Al Mahrouqi concluded.
The Sultanate has made significant strides in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, improving by 12 points and advancing 20 positions to achieve a global ranking of 50th, which underscores its ongoing dedication to combating corruption.
Dr. Al Mahrouqi credited this success to the collaborative efforts of the State Audit Institution (SAI) and relevant government bodies, along with the nation’s commitment to implementing international best practices and revising laws aimed at safeguarding public finances.
“We are dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of our institutions and safeguarding public resources through thorough audits and the adoption of global standards,” Dr. Al Mahrouqi stated.
The SAI operates under a detailed annual plan that employs a risk-based methodology to prioritize issues based on their importance. This strategic approach enables the institution to address findings, recommend corrective measures, and tackle administrative infractions, including potential criminal activities, in line with established legal frameworks.
In accordance with regional and international agreements, such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the SAI is instrumental in overseeing the execution of Oman’s National Plan to Promote Integrity. It promotes awareness of the Code of Conduct for Civil Servants and fosters transparency through public reporting and active community involvement.
“The release of our community summaries, along with the collection of complaints and reports, demonstrates our commitment to transparency and public collaboration. We are also leveraging legislative measures, such as financial disclosures by government officials, to further bolster our initiatives aimed at protecting public funds,” Dr. Al Mahrouqi remarked.
Dr. Al Mahrouqi emphasized that these efforts are in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s pledge to achieve sustainable development under the guidance of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Dr. Al Mahrouqi emphasized that the collaborative work of government bodies, the SAI, and the wider community is crucial for Oman to advance towards its long-term objectives of financial sustainability and effective governance.
