PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said if the council is to be retained, it should be placed under the higher education ministry because of its academic functions and responsibility.

“Based on this recommendation, the PMD should inform the PAC of the government’s decision on the future status of MPN, whether it remains as an agency under the government or not, in the follow-up proceedings,” she told a press conference in Parliament today.

The recommendation is part of six key findings presented in the PAC’s report, which raised concerns about the council’s effectiveness, as highlighted in the Auditor-General’s Report 2/2024.

Several parties have also made a similar call for the council to be dissolved after the A-G’s report revealed that some RM373,516 of its funds had been misused.

Mas Ermieyati said that since Nov 8, 2021, the Prime Minister’s Department had failed to fully monitor the council, leading to irregularities in its management.

The other issues identified by the PAC included unapproved allowances totalling RM207,000 in 2022 and 2023, an ineffective company secretary, the misuse of facilities and funds, and unclear amendments to the council’s articles of association.

Mas Ermieyati also called for the council to obtain approval from the minister responsible for the use of its 2022 allocation to cover payments for the years 2018 to 2021.

According to the A-G’s report, the council received government grants totalling RM3.38 million in 2022.

“MPN should also appoint a competent company secretary to ensure smooth governance, particularly in complying with all company regulations and laws,” she said.

She said the council must draw up an SOP to monitor companies under its control and ensure compliance with Treasury requirements.