Manama, Jan. 15 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, has affirmed that consolidating the parliamentary supervisory role, preserving public money and developing all national action paths are among the priorities of the Council of Representatives, in light of the comprehensive development process, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Speaker Al-Musallam asserted that the National Audit Office (NAO) is an important part and a fundamental pillar in the institutional and legal oversight system that supports the work of the Council of Representatives, noting that NAO reports contribute to achieving its mission and goals, by monitoring the safety and legality of the use of public money and its good management, raising the efficiency of the performance of the entities covered by the audit, and improving the quality of the services they provide, including the administrative aspects, by verifying the implementation of laws and administrative decisions and monitoring performance.
He added that the Council of Representatives will adopt a new methodology in studying, dealing and interacting with NAO reports in order to achieve the desired goals, under the rule of law and institutions, and to promote the values and principles of transparency and integrity.
The Speaker made the statements while receiving here today NAO Auditor-General, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, who submitted to him the 16th NAO annual report for 2021-2022.
The Speaker commended the efforts made by NAO Auditor-General and all staff for their distinguished efforts in carrying out their duties of preserving public money and applying the highest degrees of integrity and professionalism, in accordance with the constitutional and legal provisions, to achieve the public interest.
NAO Auditor-General affirmed that NAO’s landmark achievements are the fruitful outcome of the sound directives of HM the King, and the constant interest of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as of HRH’s directives to follow up on the implementation of the recommendations and remarks featuring in annual reports by the audited entities.
He praised the Representatives Council’s cooperation with NAO, and keenness to achieve public interests, preserve public money and consolidate the social oversight culture.
He affirmed that NAO is one of the fruits of HM the King’s Reform Project, and enjoys full independence as per the law, which has enabled it to in carrying out its duties freely, competently and transparently.
WHQ