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By Ling Hui & Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Sep 14: The proposed ombudsman system for Sarawak, which Bill is expected to be tabled in November, will report directly to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) and not the Premier.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is to prevent the abuse of power in tackling political rivals.
He also said an ombudsman system overseen by a single top leader would not be able to gain confidence from the people.
“We want a reporting system, not to the Premier, but to the DUN. If not, the (person holding the position) Premier can abuse the power.
“Because if A becomes the Premier, A could abuse this power to question the Opponent. When the Opponent is in power, the same thing will happen, so it’s unending.
“If this is unending, the people’s confidence level (in the administration) will not be there,” he said at the 2023 Integrity Prime Mandate Council and National Integrity Conference Officiating Ceremony held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Abang Johari said there will be a committee such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to investigate reported cases and anyone found guilty of any offences shall be punished accordingly.
“At the end of the day, we are accountable to the people. To me, I’m accountable to God and accountable to Sarawak.
“When that happens, the people will have confidence in the administration and investors will be more willing to invest in Sarawak because of lower risks,” he added. — DayakDaily
