KUCHING: The Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit will only be submitting its first report to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) next year, said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya.
He said since the bill was passed last year in November, the unit was focusing on organising matters related to administration, staffing, and operations.
“The Sarawak Ombudsman Bill was only enforced in April, with the Chief Ombudsman’s appointment following in June.
“God willing, starting next year, we will begin reporting on the activities and cases handled by the Ombudsman to the State Legislative Assembly.
“Therefore, for this current (DUN) session, no reports will be presented as we have only just begun enforcing the legislation, made appointments, and finalised the Ombudsman’s administrative setup,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after attending the Corruption and Legal Liability Workshop Programme for Sarawak State Legislative Members at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, today.
The Ombudsman Bill 2023, passed on November 2023, allows the public to report maladministration to the state public service agency and also enhance transparency and accountability in government agencies.
Dr Juanda added that the ombudsman reporting process is similar to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and similar bodies.
He said the main difference is that it follows the standards set by Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland.
“The draft report will then be laid on the table in the State Legislative Assembly, where it will be open for debate by any assembly member seeking clarification on issues raised by the Ombudsman,” he added.
