All GLCs whose salaries paid by Sarawak government subjected to Ombudsman law

Seated from left: Dr Juanda, Awang Tengah, Sarawak Attorney General Datu Saferi Ali and others photographed during a press conference at DUN Complex, Kuching on Nov 20, 2023.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Nov 20: All government-linked companies (GLCs) whose salaries are paid by the Sarawak government will be subjected to the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya stated this in response to Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen’s earlier argument, who urged that the Ordinance be extended to the GLCs.

“Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has clarified that everyone involved in GLCs, as long as their salaries are paid, whether fully or partially, by the Sarawak government, will be subjected under the Ombudsman Ordinance,” he said at a press conference held at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today.

Elaborating on the maladministration complaints that fall under the Ordinance, Dr Juanda said they include inefficiency in public service delivery, unreasonable conduct, delays in decision-making, abuse of power, etc.

He also said the Ordinance’s legal framework is limited to the State Civil Service, local authorities, State statutory bodies and GLCs because “they are the most important parties to assist in boosting the State’s development”.

“To ensure that we can achieve our aspirations under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, we are hoping that the administration, finance and management of these authorities will be able to run efficiently,” he added.

Earlier, Awang Tengah also stated that the Sarawak Cabinet may make rules as may be expedient or necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Ombudsman Ordinance, including 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.

“Once this law is passed, the necessary process including Yang di-Pertuan Negeri’s assent to be obtained and the date of enforcement of the Ordinance is to be determined accordingly,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily