Audit Bureau: Response to regulatory outputs records the highest level in the Kingdom's history

He pointed out that the response rate reflects the extent of interaction by audited entities with the observations and recommendations contained in the regulatory outputs, and the measures taken regarding them, enabling the monitoring of responsiveness to observations and tracking progress in addressing them.

He explained that enhancing the response to regulatory outputs is linked to the Bureau's efforts in developing its regulatory tools and work methodologies, alongside the responsiveness of audited entities to observations and recommendations and taking the necessary measures regarding them.

He added that the Bureau, through its technical staff, has developed the Regulatory Outputs Follow-up System (MRT), which allows electronic tracking of observations, recommendations, and related procedures, and helps identify files that require the completion of processing, and monitors progress in implementing corrective procedures, thereby enhancing follow-up efficiency and supporting verification of complete processing in accordance with approved regulatory requirements.

He pointed out that, in parallel with the system's development, the Bureau has adopted mechanisms to discuss regulatory observations with audited entities before issuing the final output, and to agree on documented action plans that determine corrective procedures and their implementation requirements, thereby enhancing clarity of responsibilities and providing an organized framework to monitor implementation and verify results.

On the governmental front, Al-Hamadeen indicated that Prime Minister Jafar Hassan's directives and his follow-up on the file of regulatory observations have contributed to urging the concerned ministries and institutions to address them, accelerating corrective procedures, and enhancing compliance with completing the necessary procedures according to regulatory requirements.

He noted the role of the team tasked with reviewing clarifications, headed by Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs Abdul Latif Najdawi, in following up on files with concerned entities on a periodic basis, including rectifying violations and limiting their accumulation, tracking the recovery of funds due to the treasury, and referring cases that warrant it to the competent authorities.

He pointed out that these efforts integrate with the legislative branch's oversight role in both its houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives, through specialized committees, discussing the Audit Bureau's reports, following up on observations and violations contained therein, and reviewing the responses of concerned entities and the measures taken to address them.

Within the framework of enhancing internal audit and raising institutional efficiency, Al-Hamadeen stated that the Bureau has evaluated 166 internal audit and inspection units, and submitted its results to the Council of Ministers to determine development needs. These needs included improving procedures, qualifying personnel, and enhancing the use of digital systems, to support institutions' ability to detect flaws and address them at early stages, and to strengthen the preventive role of internal audit.

He emphasized that the Bureau continues, within its independent regulatory role, to follow up on observations whose processing has not been completed, verifying the soundness of corrective procedures and the extent to which they meet regulatory requirements, with a focus on addressing the causes of violations and limiting their recurrence, thereby enhancing accountability, raising financial and administrative performance efficiency, and preserving public funds.

The Audit Bureau's annual report for the 2025 fiscal year is scheduled to include a presentation of the results of the Bureau's work, achievements, and regulatory outputs, including relevant percentages and indicators, and will be presented to the Senate and the House of Representatives at the beginning of the upcoming ordinary session of Parliament, in accordance with the constitutional mandate stipulated in Article 119 of the Constitution.