Public accountability system: Empirical assessment of public sector of Malaysia

Abstract

This study assesses the status of accountability practices of the Malaysian public sector in response to the recent report of the Auditor General that revealed corruption, weakness and lack of control in asset management. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire distributed through Google Docs application to the heads of 682 departments and agencies under 24 federal ministries, including the Prime Minister Department. The final sample of the study consists of 109 respondents. The data gathered were based on the opinions of respondents on the 10 factors of public accountability practices in their respective departments or agencies using a seven-point Likert scale that ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Data reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha test. Data validity and normality were tested using the Shapiro Wilk's test. About 87.3% of the respondents indicated that their departments and agencies generally implement accountability practices. However, priority accountability factor differs among service schemes. Accountability in administrative and diplomatic, education and medical and health services is below the overall average. The study findings are useful in providing awareness to policy makers and in encouraging accountability environments in many countries, especially Malaysia.