A commitment to efficient administration

KUCHING: The passing of the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill, 2023 marks a historic day for Sarawak as it crafts and enacts its own Ombudsman law, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Awang Tengah said this also portrays Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) unwavering commitment to upholding efficient government administration with high integrity as a catalyst of development in Sarawak.

He said the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) may make rules as may be expedient or necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Ordinance.

“This includes the prescription of offences and its punishments, procedures and forms for compounding of offences, the procedure for investigation, code of conduct for the ombudsman and such other purposes which may be considered necessary.

“With the passing of this Bill, what we need to do is get assent from the Head of State and when it is going to be enforced, which will be decided later,” he told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex on Monday.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya stated that the ordinance is comprehensive, thorough and in line with the needs of Sarawak.

“We have conducted a comprehensive study and have visited Sweden and Finland. The authority in supervising the state public service agency, which encompasses the State Civil Service, local authorities, state statutory bodies and government-linked companies, is the primary entity that will contribute to the progress of Sarawak.

“The government is confident that the civil servants are key agents in driving development in Sarawak.

“This is also proof that the GPS government is very open to constructive criticism from the people, including its own machinery.

“And the GPS is ready to accept any constructive criticism and any suggestions to ensure that the state of Sarawak continues to progress, prosper and move towards becoming a developed state by 2030,” said Dr Juanda.