PETALING JAYA – Sarawak will be the first state to have an ombudsman law in the country when the Ombudsman Bill is presented to the state assembly on November 20.
Reports in The Borneo Post quoted Deputy Minister of Integrity and Ombudsman Datuk Juanda Jaya saying that the ordinance will act as a check and balance on the delivery of government services once it is in place.
“A historic moment is in the making when the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill is presented at the Sarawak state assembly this November,” he said at the opening ceremony of a programme with the Integrity and Ombudsman Unit in Kuching.
“The decision to introduce the ordinance was made following several levels of brainstorming and engagement sessions with stakeholders.
“Also, the ombudsman’s recent visits to Sweden and Finland became its main reference,” said Juanda.
According to reports, he said the government is committed to all aspects of governance as well as providing checks and balances.
“The Sarawak Integrity Unit and Ombudsman will establish a special cabinet committee (Cabcom) to access, examine and make recommendations on the annual financial statements and budget estimates for state statutory bodies and authorities.
“We hope every recommendation submitted will be followed and appropriate action taken so issues raised will not recur,” added Juanda, who is also the chairman of Cabcom.
He also reminded all ministries to ensure procedures and financial governance of the agencies under their supervision are adhered to.
“With the existence of Cabcom, hopefully, it will be able to avoid leakages in addition to ensuring every allocation from the government is used prudently and with integrity,” he added. – The Vibes, November 1, 2023
