Al-Zaidi Directs Pre-Contract Audit Team, Emphasizes Oversight Neutrality

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi on Tuesday directed the formation of a specialized team to undertake the pre-auditing of contracts, a step aimed at strengthening preventive oversight and protecting public funds. Al-Zaidi also stressed the importance of keeping the Financial Supervision Bureau free from any political considerations or quotas, to ensure its neutrality and effectiveness in its work. This directive came during Al-Zaidi's visit to the headquarters of the Federal Financial Supervision Bureau, where he chaired a joint meeting that included the head of the Bureau and the head of the Integrity Commission, in the presence of the Minister of Finance. The meeting was dedicated to discussing mechanisms for enhancing preventive oversight and developing procedures for auditing government contracts. Al-Zaidi affirmed that responsibility necessitates serious work and optimal fulfillment of duties, emphasizing that everyone must bear their legal and national responsibilities towards safeguarding public funds. He directed the adoption of the principle of pre-auditing contracts before signing them, considering it a preventive measure that addresses problems before they occur and serves as a safeguard for institutions. He called on the Financial Supervision Bureau and the Integrity Commission to be the watchful eyes of the state in detecting and proactively addressing loopholes before they turn into problems or corruption files. In this regard, he directed the formation of a specialized team from the Supervision Bureau to undertake the pre-auditing of contracts within ten working days. He also stressed the need to define the thresholds and values of contracts subject to this audit, to achieve both speed of execution and efficiency of oversight. Al-Zaidi further stressed that government contracts must be legally and technically sound, and based on fair and reasonable prices. He pointed out that overpricing costs is one of the most prominent avenues for corruption, which requires firm action, while ensuring the implementation of projects according to the specified standards and quality. He called for instilling a preventive mindset in oversight work, alongside the traditional role, affirming that the Financial Supervision Bureau and the Integrity Commission represent the state's shield in protecting public funds and citizens' rights, describing it as a great national and moral responsibility. Al-Zaidi reiterated the government's commitment to providing all necessary support and assistance to both bodies to enable them to perform their duties efficiently and independently.