By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 11: Sarawak could take the next step in governance reform by adopting a tailored Freedom of Information (FOI) framework, which experts say would strengthen the State’s Ombudsman Ordinance and improve oversight of State-owned enterprises (SOEs).
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said Sarawak has already set a benchmark by becoming the first State in Malaysia to enact an Ombudsman law—providing an independent mechanism to address maladministration, service failures and unfair treatment within state authorities.
“A carefully designed FOI framework, aligned with Sarawak’s constitutional position and administrative realities, would make it easier for the public to access non-sensitive information such as procedures, approval criteria and performance benchmarks.
“This would reduce unnecessary disputes, improve public understanding and allow the Ombudsman to focus on substantive governance issues,” he said in a statement today.
Yap also highlighted the relevance of FOI principles to Sarawak’s SOEs, which manage significant public assets and play a critical role in the State’s economic development.
“Greater transparency would strengthen oversight, boost public confidence and ensure these entities continue to serve Sarawak’s long-term interests,” he said.
However, he cautioned that Sarawak should not simply replicate FOI models from other states, but instead pursue a practical, Sarawak-focused approach that emphasises proactive disclosure, clear exemptions and close alignment with the Ombudsman’s role.
“Any future FOI framework should be developed through careful study and stakeholder consultation to ensure it strengthens Sarawak’s governance system and delivers tangible benefits for the people,” he added. — DayakDaily
