Sarawak Ombudsman Now Fully Operational, Public Urged To Report Maladministration
KUCHING: Sarawak marked another historic milestone as the Sarawak Ombudsman is now fully operational to carry out its checks and balances function on the administration of state government agencies and government-related bodies in the state.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said the full operation of the body reflects the Sarawak Government’s commitment to strengthening integrity, accountability and good governance.
According to him, a courtesy call involving the five members of the Sarawak Ombudsman to the Premier of Sarawak was held to inform that the body has now fulfilled the minimum membership requirement as stipulated under the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance.
“This is a historic moment for Sarawak because we are the only region in Malaysia with our own Ombudsman.
“With this full operation, the Sarawak Ombudsman will carry out duties to review and monitor the management and administration of state government agencies, local authorities (PBT), state statutory bodies, government-linked companies (GLCs) and any agencies receiving emoluments from the state government,” he said.
He said this when met by the media after the courtesy call on the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, at the Sarawak Premier’s Office in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here on Friday.
He added that the Sarawak DUN had recently approved the establishment of a Select Committee to evaluate the annual reports of the Sarawak Ombudsman, which will be tabled during the next DUN sitting.
He said the committee will ensure that every recommendation and reprimand issued by the Ombudsman is fully implemented by the relevant parties.
Meanwhile, he revealed that a total of 67 complaints have been received following the screening process conducted by the Sarawak Ombudsman.
He explained that some complaints involved allegations without evidence, while others contained elements of criminal offences and corruption, which were directly referred to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“We focus on issues of maladministration involving state government agencies, local authorities, statutory bodies and Sarawak GLCs.
“If members of the public discover cases of maladministration, come forward and contact the Ombudsman by bringing along relevant evidence and data,” he said.
He added that complainants’ identities will be kept fully confidential and the public may submit complaints through letters, email or the official Sarawak Ombudsman website.
He also informed that a complaint application is currently being developed in collaboration with SAINS to make it easier for the public to lodge complaints in the future.
“The main purpose of establishing the Ombudsman is to ensure Sarawak progresses more rapidly in terms of integrity, accountability and the rule of law.
“We want international investors to have confidence in Sarawak’s administrative system because trust in integrity and governance is crucial in attracting investments,” he added. -UKASnews
