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By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 14: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg along with several State attorneys and stakeholders will make a working visit to Sweden to conduct a comprehensive study on the country’s ombudsmen system in line with the government’s commitment to establish a dedicated legal framework specifically for an ombudsman institution within the State.
Abang Johari explained that the comprehensive study will contribute to enhancing the existing ombudsman system in Sarawak through legislation that promotes integrity, transparency, accountability and responsibility across all sectors in Sarawak’s governance.
“Sweden, a pioneer in implementing a check and balance mechanism through ombudsman nearly two decades ago, serves as an ideal model for Sarawak’s aspirations.
“Under the enhanced system, it will report directly to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) to ensure accountability and transparency. The legislation outlining the framework will be presented in the next DUN Sitting at the end of the year,” he told a press conference after officiating the Financial Crimes Collaboration and Prevention Seminat at a hotel here today.
While an existing ombudsman system exists, which collaborates with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Abang Johari emphasised that the objective is to establish an even more robust structure that reports directly to the DUN.
The introduction of an ombudsman system in Sarawak, he said, aims to reinforce integrity not only among civil servants but also within the broader community.
“This means the check and balance will not be solely carried out by the Premier of Sarawak Department.
“This is what we want. It will also involve all elected representatives reporting to the DUN to ensure comprehensive checks and balances encompass both government and non-government. It means you are answerable to and subject to scrutiny by the DUN,” he said.
By doing so, Abang Johari added that it will also address the concerns regarding potential bias within the government.
He emphasised the importance of learning from Sweden’s experience and tailoring it to suit Sarawak’s unique context. — DayakDaily
