Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) Chairman Kim Ho-cheol on Thursday called on public officials to pursue proactive administration, pledging that "no individual will be held accountable unless private corruption is involved" amid an economic crisis driven by the prolonged war in the Middle East.
"With the ongoing Middle East conflict widening volatility in international oil prices and financial markets, deepening energy supply instability and hardships in the real economy, we are in what amounts to an 'economic wartime situation,'" Kim said in a letter sent to public officials on the day. "At times like these, a proactive and dynamic role by the public sector is more important than ever."
"We will ensure that public officials can focus entirely on their duties without the burden of audits, even if there are minor errors or mistakes," Kim stressed.
"In difficult times like these, the public sector must look only to the nation and its people and adopt a proactive posture. Passive behavior must never be tolerated," he added.
The BAI said it plans to encourage use of the Proactive Administration Committee and applications for its pre-consultation system, while supporting swift decision-making through a fast-track process to promote proactive administration.