by Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, April 5: The proposed Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance, the first such ordinance in Malaysia, could be tabled at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly at the end of the year.
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity And Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, the said ordinance is not to exceed the power of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police but to follow the standard practices in other developing countries related to ombudsmen.
“In reality, this is to ensure the effort by the people relating to any issues with regards to any wrongdoings or any shortfalls by government agencies would be heard and resolved amicably,” he said
“It could be matters related to an unsatisfactory, delivery system or unfair distribution of development by the government. Whatever it is, the government must address all these shortfalls through this ordinance,” he added.
Juanda told reporters this today after officiating at ‘Program Jelajah Integriti Siri6/2023 Daerah Siburan’ at a hotel in Siburan.
The programme’s main objective is to raise awareness about and instil a culture of integrity and its values, and to introduce the function of the ombudsman to the community.
Juanda said the draft of the ordinance is completed and once endorsed by the Sarawak government, would be brought to DUN.
“If that happens, it could be the first ombudsman ordinance in the country, as there is no such ordinance at the federal level,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Director of Integrity and Ombudsman Unit, Semawai Mohamad, Resident Serian representative Caroline Cleophas Joseph and Siburan acting district officer, Ranum Bari. — DayakDaily
