Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya (second left) speaking to reporters in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The Sarawak Ombudsman is expected to make its first report to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly next year, says state Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya.
He said the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 only came into force in April 2024 and the chief ombudsman was appointed in June.
"In this first year, we are still setting up the administration, staffing and operations of the ombudsman.
"Starting next year, we will submit reports on the activities and cases handled by the ombudsman to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.
"So in the upcoming session, no report will be tabled," he told reporters when met at an anti-corruption workshop for state assemblymen here on Friday (Nov 8).
The state assembly is scheduled to sit for eight days starting Monday (Nov 11).
Juanda also said the ombudsman report would be similar to that of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
"The draft will be laid on the table in the state legislative assembly to be debated by any assemblyman," he said.
Sarawak Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the ombudsman would be independent of the executive branch of government as it would report to the state legislature.
"This will prevent the ombudsman's reports from being weaponised by the executive against past ministers or politicians," he said.
The Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance was passed in 2023, paving the way for the establishment of an ombudsman institution to provide independent oversight of the state's public service agencies.
The Sarawak Ombudsman, which comprises a chief ombudsman, deputy chief and three to five other ombudsmen, is empowered to investigate public complaints of maladministration in the agencies.
Under the Ordinance, the ombudsman is required to submit reports to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on its activities and the result of any enquiries, including findings, recommendations and opinions.
