By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 8: The Sarawak Ombudsman law will empower the rakyat to hold public agencies and officials accountable, curbing abuse of power by so-called “little Napoleons” within the public service.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin described the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 as a historic reform that positions Sarawak as the first State in Malaysia to enact an Ombudsman law.
He explained that the Ombudsman institution would be established by law and operate independently from political or executive interference, reporting directly to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.
“No minister and no political authority can interfere with its investigations. That independence is crucial for public confidence,” he said when speaking as a panellist at the Forum on Strengthening the Ombudsman Institution in Sarawak held at a local hotel here today.
Under the Bill, Yap said the Ombudsman will provide a formal channel for public complaints against public servants, government agencies, statutory bodies and local authorities, particularly in cases involving abuse of power, corruption, misconduct, negligence and dereliction of duty. Whistleblowers and complainants will also be protected from victimisation.
“This will curb abuse and ‘little Napoleons’. The Ombudsman can expose abuse of power, corruption, negligence and misconduct in the public service. It sends a strong message that public service is a trust, not a privilege,” he added.
He further said the law would also correct long-standing public misconceptions that elected representatives are responsible for every unresolved issue on the ground.
“Many people think clogged drains or potholes are the YB’s fault. In reality, we do not control agencies such as Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Public Works Department (JKR) or Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
“We can raise complaints, but we cannot issue instructions. This law puts accountability where it belongs,” he pointed out.
He encouraged the public to lodge complaints with the Ombudsman when Talikhidmat reports are ignored, responses are delayed repeatedly, or agencies provide inaccurate or misleading information, adding that even elected representatives may resort to the mechanism when necessary.
According to Yap, effective implementation of the Ombudsman law would improve discipline, efficiency and service delivery across the public sector, while also boosting investor confidence and supporting Sarawak’s economic development.
“This is a reform that strengthens governance, protects the rakyat and modernises Sarawak’s administration. It should be welcomed and embraced by all Sarawakians,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
