Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Association of Professional Accountants (SAPA) President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said there is a need to prioritise Sabah-based accounting firms and professionals for audit and financial assignments within the State’s public sector.
Speaking during a recent courtesy visit to Jabatan Audit Negara Negeri Sabah, Tan stressed that the move would not only reduce operational costs but also strengthen the local talent pool and boost the State’s economic self-reliance.
“Local practitioners understand Sabah’s unique landscape, regulations and operational challenges better.
“Giving them greater access to audit work involving state statutory bodies and local authorities will reduce logistics expenses, speed up processes, and create sustainable career pathways right here at home,” he said.
The meeting, hosted by State Audit Director Zakri bin Mamat, served as a platform to explore closer cooperation between the two organisations.
Much of Sabah’s accounting work had been dominated by four Peninsula Malaysia-based firms, many of which had little or no physical presence in Sabah and only flew in when required for assignments.
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Tan also highlighted SAPA’s commitment to raising professional standards in line with the state’s growing economy, which is experiencing major expansion in the infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and digital sectors.
He shared details of SAPA’s continuous professional development programmes, including the upcoming Sabah Business and Financial Leadership Conference scheduled for September 2026.
The event is expected to bring together more than 300 finance and business leaders to discuss governance, risk management and industry best practices.
Tan further enquired about potential employment and engagement opportunities for SAPA members within the National Audit Department, proposing joint initiatives such as training workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions and capacity-building programmes.
In response, Zakri outlined the department’s role under the Audit Act 1957 in ensuring accountability, transparency and good governance in the management of public funds.
He welcomed SAPA’s constructive proposals, noting that building a strong pool of competent local professionals aligns with the department’s goal of improving financial management across government agencies.
“Sound financial governance is key to public trust and development. Collaboration with professional bodies like SAPA will help us raise competency levels and ensure public funds are used efficiently and responsibly,” Zakri said.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the discussion and agreed to move forward with the proposed areas of cooperation, aimed at benefiting both the accounting profession and Sabah’s overall development.
