Shura approves 2024 accounts with BD160,000 surplus and clean audit

TDT | Manama

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The Shura Council has approved its 2024 audited accounts, which showed a BD160,000 surplus and drew no remarks from the National Audit Office.

The figures, for the year ending 31 December, were reviewed during yesterday’s session.

Senior members of the chamber said the outcome stemmed from careful spending, savings, and returns on investments.

“What we received in government support, along with savings and investment income, allowed the Secretariat to post a surplus with no observations from the National Audit Office,” said First Deputy Chairman Jamal Fakhro.

He explained that the BD149,000 shortfall shown in the accounts was due to depreciation entries.

Adjustment

“It is an accounting adjustment, not actual cash spending,” he said.

The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee confirmed that the accounts were prepared in line with international standards and the Council’s financial rules.

Dr Anwar Khalifa Al Saddah, who presented the committee’s report, said: “The statements provide a true and fair view of the Council’s financial position as of 31 December 2024, and of how money moved in and out over the year.”

He noted that the Audit Office had carried out its work under Decree-Law No. 16 of 2002, in line with standards set by INTOSAI, the international audit body. Its opinion was issued without qualification.

Compliance

Dalal Al Zayed, chair of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, said the absence of remarks from the Audit Office showed compliance with proper standards.

“That shows things are being done properly,” she said. She praised the involvement of Bureau members in spending decisions, and pointed to progress in digital systems, artificial intelligence, and training for staff.

Secretary-General Karima Al Abbasi was commended for leading those efforts.

Space

Khalid Al Maskati, who chairs the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, said the Bureau had the option to refer the accounts to his committee, and doing so gave space for closer scrutiny ahead of the floor debate.