Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine factors influencing the readiness of public sector accountants to implement the accrual accounting system in the Malaysian Federal Government. The readiness was measured in terms change commitment and change efficacy. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a questionnaire survey that comprises three factors (change valence, task knowledge and task availability) in predicting readiness to implement the accrual accounting system. Multiple regressions were performed on a total of 165 usable responses received. Findings The results reveal that change valence, task knowledge and task availability are significant and positively influence the change efficacy of the Federal Government to implement accrual accounting in Malaysia. However, only change valance is a positively significant factor in influencing change commitment. Originality/value This study is important as it contributes not only by adding to the scant literature assessing the readiness to implement the accrual accounting system but also by providing useful information on determinants of readiness for accrual accounting implementation in supporting the Malaysian Government’s financial transformation agenda.

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The embezzlement of funds from religious organizations, particularly in western church institutions, is becoming more common. Such scandals have raised concerns about their internal control systems. Despite the lack of any reported financial scandals in mosques, there is a growing concern as to whether they experience the same deficiencies as other religious institutions do. Our study examines the internal control procedures related to the receiving income and disbursing funds in West Malaysia’s state mosques. A questionnaire survey and informal interviews were used to collect the data. The results indicate that these mosques have a strong internal control system vis-à-vis these two activities. This study also reveals that their practice of several basic control activities (e.g., segregating duties, recording financial transactions, and authorizing particular activities) is satisfactory. Though this is an exploratory study, the results may provide a benchmark for further studies examining internal control practices in religious organizations.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to elicit perceptions of senior officers on the overall financial sustainability of their institutions; and, second, to examine senior officers’ perceptions on important revenue diversification and cost management practices. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a questionnaire survey with senior academic and administrative staff of the 20 public universities in Malaysia. In total, 275 questionnaires were distributed and 69 were returned, yielding a response rate of 25.09 per cent. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the general perceptions of the survey respondents on public university financial sustainability issues. Findings The study suggests that respondents are receptive of the financial sustainability challenges faced by their institutions. Respondents agree that increasing tuition fees may not be a feasible revenue enhancement strategy for public universities. Instead, all respondents agree that full utilisation of resources will be a key strategy that the universities can apply. Originality/value This study contributes to the limited research on the financial sustainability of public universities in developing countries. Findings of the study have implications for the financial management and governance of public universities in Malaysia and other countries facing similar fiscal challenges. The findings of the study also provide important empirical evidence for future work in the area.

Bangladesh is coping with the problem of poverty since its independence. Recent success stories of the country in alleviating poverty have been the outcome of the efforts of several public and private initiatives. As a Muslimmajority country, Bangladesh is yet to incorporate Islamic vehicles of poverty reduction in the national development strategies. Waqf has been sidelined as a mere charity even though it has historical success in producing continuous income and thus reducing poverty levels in the Muslim countries. This paper is divided into three sections. In the first part, it provides a historical overview of Waqf in Bangladesh followed by a brief description of Waqf institutions that are responsible for managing Waqf in Bangladesh. The final section discusses contemporary issues that are affecting the efficient management of Waqf funds towards making its mark in alleviating poverty from Bangladesh. In describing various problems, issues concerning governance and information disclosure were addressed that provide significant insight for different stakeholders. Information gathered through systematic literature review process indicated that Waqf institutions in Bangladesh are lacking appropriate governance mechanisms that are resulting in information asymmetry. Future research on the governance mechanisms applied by Waqf institutions and their impact on the extent and quality of information disclosure will provide further insight for the need of reform in this voluntary sector to ensure their sustainable future and contribution towards economic development in Bangladesh.