PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the suggestion was part of its feedback in a follow-up report tabled today following its November 2024 findings on the council’s governance and financial issues.

She said the government was still reviewing MPN’s status, with a decision pending on whether to retain it as a company limited by guarantee or to place it under the higher education ministry, as previously recommended by PAC.

“PAC acknowledges that a Cabinet memorandum has been prepared by the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) for the Cabinet’s decision on MPN’s future status,” she said in a statement.

“PAC urges PMD to promptly share the decision once obtained and formally notify PAC in writing.

“The Companies Commission of Malaysia is awaiting the Cabinet’s decision before approving changes to MPN’s governance, including government representation on its board.”

The council came under scrutiny after the Auditor-General’s Report 2/2024 revealed several irregularities, including the misuse of funds and increment of the chairman’s allowances without ministerial approval.

PAC also raised other key concerns, including 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 said that MPN’s interim company secretary, Tengku Naufal & Co, would step down once the governance issues were resolved.

“PAC advises MPN to appoint a competent company secretary to ensure smooth governance,” she said.

On the issue of outstanding payments for MPN’s board of directors, Mas Ermieyati said a request for approval had been submitted to the finance ministry. She urged PMD to expedite follow-up action on the matter.

“PAC acknowledges PMD’s monitoring efforts over organisations under its jurisdiction, including NGOs and international organisations,” she said, adding that PMD was advised to enhance oversight measures on governance.