Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Malaysia as Chair of ASEANSAI Knowledge Sharing Committee had organised Parallel Auditing Seminars on Financial Management Accountability Index (FMAI) and Non-Revenue Water (NRW) from 31st October to 2nd November 2012 in Holiday Inn Resort, Penang. The objectives of the seminars were to share knowledge and experiences on the development, implementation, achievements and impact of FMAI as well as lessons learnt on NRW audit. The seminars provided the opportunity to expand networking and interaction among the participants.

The parallel auditing seminars were officiated by Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Ambrin Bin Buang, Auditor General of Malaysia. In his address, the Auditor General mentioned that the FMAI which, was introduced in 2007 as part of an effort to curb the problem of mismanagement and overspending of public funds. Based on the 5 year trend analysis, there is a remarkable improvement of the financial management of the government entities. NRW audit is crucial as water resources must be managed in a sustainable manner for the advancement of social, economic and environmental development, and the well being of current and future generations.

Twenty six participants from nine countries i.e. Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam as well as guest participants from SAI China attended these seminars. Besides lectures, site visit to Penang Water Supplies Corporation was organised to reinforce the lessons learnt and provide hands-on experience for the NRW seminar participants. Apart from this, all the participants went for the excursion trip to Penang Hill, local chocolate and coffee outlets as well as batik making boutique.

Based on the participants’ evaluation, the objectives of the seminars have been achieved. To the participants, the seminars had provided a good forum for them to learn and exchange views or perspectives on FMAI and NRW as well as to adopt it where appropriate.