KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Gerakan has urged the government to release every six months the findings of investigations and actions taken against those who misused public funds as highlighted in the Auditor-General's Report 2008.

Gerakan vice-president Datuk Mah Siew Keong said that for transparency, the findings should be released for public consumption.

"The people should be told the type of action taken against the culprits. Our party views seriously wastage and mismanagement of public funds. The wrong-doers should be severely punished," he said in a statement today.

Mah said the party had been pushing for appropriate action to be taken against the culprits as "it looked ridiculous that these offences were allowed to repeat year in and year out."

Yesterday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan said ministry secretaries-general, department heads and chief executives of government agencies had been asked to take immediate action against those found to be involved in power abuse, misappropriation and wastage of public funds.

Sidek said the Special Task Force headed by him to study the auditor-general's report had agreed that Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang should write to the relevant parties concerned asking them to take prompt and appropriate action.

The finding should be given to the auditor-general who would then submit a report to the Special Task Force.

Disciplinary action could be take against secretaries-general, department heads and chief executives for failing to take action within the stipulated period.

Mah said Sidek had taken the right step to help restore public confidence in the civil service. He also congratulated Ambrin for being reappointed as auditor-general.