Ministry Awaiting UKM’s Full Explanation Over Auditor-General’s Findings
PUTRAJAYA — Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education is awaiting a detailed report from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) following issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Report 1/2026 concerning the university’s financial management.
Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry has requested a comprehensive explanation from the university before deciding on any further measures.
According to him, the university has been given the responsibility to conduct its own internal review and present a full report addressing the matters highlighted in the audit findings.
Zambry explained that if the issues raised involve minor governance matters, the ministry will implement corrective actions based on the recommendations made by the National Audit Department.
However, if the report indicates more serious governance breaches or financial misconduct, further action will be taken in accordance with existing regulations.
In such circumstances, the university may also refer the matter to enforcement agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Royal Malaysia Police.
“We are currently waiting for the university to submit its full report. If the matter involves governance issues, we will follow the recommendations provided by the National Audit Department,” he said.
Zambry made the remarks after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly and Ramadan gathering with staff in Putrajaya.
He added that in the case involving UKM, the ministry has entrusted the university to take appropriate follow-up measures, including reporting the matter to relevant authorities if serious violations are discovered.
The development follows earlier reports indicating that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has opened two investigation papers after findings in the Auditor-General’s Report raised concerns about governance and financial management at the university.
The audit report revealed several irregularities involving the management of student fee collections and expenditure for the 2024 financial year.
According to the report, total student fees collected under the SPEND and DPLI programmes amounted to RM60.77 million.
However, the university officially recorded only RM2.43 million in its accounts.
The report also indicated that RM50.74 million was collected through a university cooperative, while another RM7.60 million had yet to be received.
These findings raised questions about transparency and oversight in the handling of student fee collections.
The audit further noted that the RM50.74 million collected through the cooperative did not obtain approval from the Finance Minister.
This raised concerns about whether proper financial procedures were followed.
Additionally, the report highlighted a potential conflict of interest involving five university officers who were reported to hold key positions within the cooperative responsible for collecting the fees.
The situation has prompted further scrutiny over governance practices within the institution.
Zambry emphasised that the ministry will carefully review the full report from UKM before deciding on the appropriate next steps.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the financial management of public universities.
“We want every higher education institution to comply with governance standards and financial regulations to maintain the integrity of Malaysia’s education system,” he said.
-wilayah.com.my
