Crown Prince stresses government’s commitment to effective and independent oversight of public funds

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today received the President of the National Audit Office (NAO), His Excellency Hassan bin Khalifa Al Jalahma, at Gudaibiya Palace.During the meeting, His Excellency Hassan Al Jalahma presented His Royal Highness with the 2015-2016 National Audit Report.

His Royal Highness stressed that the NAO report reflects Bahrain’s commitment to transparency and accountability over the use of public funds through effective and independent oversight, in accordance with the directives of His Majesty the King.

His Royal Highness also emphasised that the government, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, will carefully consider the findings and recommendations of the NAO report through a government task force headed by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

In this regard, His Royal Highness instructed for the immediate investigation into all cases that carry any criminal violations within the report, and for their referral to the Public Prosecution in order to take forward the necessary legal action.

Additionally, His Royal Highness instructed that any administrative violations in the report be addressed and rectified immediately through the appropriate procedures. 

His Royal Highness went on to praise the NAO’s efforts to monitor violations associated with the inefficient use of public funds as a means to ensure that the delivery of government services and productivity are maintained.

His Royal Highness then underscored the importance of reinforcing cooperation between government entities and the NAO, noting that this will play a crucial role in increasing government productivity, preserving public funds and rationalising expenditure, which is in line with the government’s long-term development goals.

For his part, His Excellency Hassan Al Jalahma expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet His Royal Highness and for the leadership’s continued support to the NAO.

His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Jawad Al Arrayedh, Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Shaikh Khaled bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, and His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Al Mutawa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs also attended the meeting.