Assessing audit committee effectiveness of a government statutory body: Evidence from the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia

Karbhari, Yusuf ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4513-0928, Sheikh Hassan, Ahmad Fahmi, Mamat, Adi Fazuli and Mohamad, Muslim Har Sani 2018. Assessing audit committee effectiveness of a government statutory body: Evidence from the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia. International Journal of Economics and Management 12 (S2) , pp. 401-411.

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Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of an Audit Committee (AC) operating in a large government statutory body in an emerging economy, namely the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM). This study is timely, as previous studies focussing on AC effectiveness in relation to the public sector are sparse. Data collection was through in-depth interviews with key individuals involved in the IRBM governance process, including AC members, senior management and external auditors. The study finds existence of a weak AC governance function that inadequately oversees financial reporting and internal control systems. We find the independence of AC members questionable, as a communication gap exists between AC members and the external auditor. In particular, the study highlights that top management should ensure that its AC fulfils its assigned role and that urgent attention is given to issues on composition, appointment and diligence of its AC members. We conclude that the IRBM should consider improving independence by appointing an external independent AC member(s) from either the big four or an influential industry expert to provide the necessary input and expertise to ensure that public confidence continues.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Business (Including Economics)
Publisher:	Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia
ISSN:	2600-9390
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	9 November 2018
Date of Acceptance:	21 November 2018
Last Modified:	05 May 2023 10:54
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/116560

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