By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 19: The Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman (OSO) has rejected claims by Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen that the government is “dragging its feet” on the Ombudsman unit and that “no hearing was conducted”, calling the remarks factually incorrect and legally misconceived.
In a statement issued yesterday (July 18), the OSO clarified that its role, as defined under the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 (SOO 2023), does not involve holding hearings in the manner of a court or tribunal.
“The core functions of the Ombudsman, as defined under Section 12 of the SOO 2023, include receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints related to maladministration by Sarawak public service agencies,” it said.
The office also outlined its statutory responsibilities, which include promoting good governance and accountability; recommending remedial or corrective measures based on findings; and monitoring the implementation of those recommendations.
“In performing these duties, the Ombudsman is empowered to carry out investigations, conduct preliminary inquiries, recommend mediation, and produce reports—but not to conduct adjudicative hearings,” it added.
The OSO confirmed that it has already received complaints and conducted inquiries in line with its powers under the law.
It further disclosed that an Interim Report, covering operations from Aug 1 to Dec 31, 2024, has been submitted to the relevant minister, as required under Section 42 of the SOO 2023, and is intended to be tabled in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS).
“A full Annual Report for the year 2025 will be compiled and submitted in due course to the Sarawak Legislature in accordance with the statutory framework,” it added.
Contrary to Chong’s assertion that “no real work” is being done, the OSO stressed that all bona fide complaints are handled in accordance with procedures and legal safeguards, with protection provided for complainants and confidentiality of proceedings maintained.
The OSO reminded the public that formal complaints of maladministration involving any Sarawak state public service agency may be lodged in writing to:
Chief Ombudsman
Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman
Level 17, Wisma Masja II, Petra Jaya
93050 Kuching, Sarawak
“The OSO remains committed to fulfilling its mandate to uphold integrity, accountability, and transparency in the Sarawak public administration system,” it emphasised.
Sarawak became the first in Malaysia to pass an Ombudsman law in November 2023. The ordinance came into effect in April 2024, followed by the appointment of Chief Ombudsman Dato Sri Abdul Ghafur Shariff in June.
In November 2024, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya stated that the OSO would begin presenting its activity reports to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly starting in 2025.
However, according to Free Malaysia Today’s report on July 16, Chong accused the Sarawak government of dragging its feet due to prolonged delays and a lack of transparency in presenting a report from the Ombudsman unit.
He claimed the process has been very slow and that no hearings have been conducted. — DayakDaily
