By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 8: The Sarawak Ombudsman Office will only begin presenting its activity reports to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) starting next year, says Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya.
He said the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, came into effect in April this year, and the new Sarawak Chief Ombudsman Dato Sri Abdul Ghafur Shariff was appointed in June.
Therefore, this year has primarily been dedicated to setting up the administrative structure, staffing, and operational systems.
“Insya-Allah beginning next year, we will report on activities and cases handled by the Ombudsman to the Dewan.
“So, in this upcoming Dewan session, there won’t be any report submitted as we have just enforced our law, appointment, and currently setting up the new Sarawak Ombudsman structure and administration,” he told reporters after the ‘Corruption and Legal Liability Workshop Programme for Sarawak Legislative Members’ held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
An audio recording of the doorstep interview was made available to the press after the event.
He also clarified that the reporting procedures to the Ombudsman are similar to those used by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and others.
“However, we may follow the drafting standards of Scandinavian countries, like Sweden and Finland.
“This draft will then be tabled in the Dewan, open for discussion by any assembly members who seek clarification on issues raised by the Ombudsman,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, assured that the Integrity and Ombudsman Department is making the preparations.
“The Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is adopting the Swedish ombudsman system to prevent reports made by the Public Accounts Committee or Ombudsman from being weaponised by the executive so that the vicious circle or cycle among those who are in a position to use, does not abuse the reports, to go against past ministers or politicians,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
