Beting Maro rep: Ombudsman vital in preventing State from gaining power without constraints, accountability

Razaili debating on Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 in DUN sitting on Nov 20, 2023. Screenshot taken from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) Facebook livestream

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Nov 20: The ombudsman plays a vital role in preventing the State from gaining absolute power without any constraints, accountability, or controls, says Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor.

According to Razaili, constraints on the power exercised by the government are necessary for the public to have confidence in its actions.

“For a government to be effective, it needs legitimacy, and hence, I believe the Bill is tabled today to ensure that,” he said when presenting his debate on the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 during the Second Meeting for the Second Term of the 19th Sarawak DUN, which was held at the DUN complex today.

He went on to express hope that the impending appointment of the Sarawak Ombudsman will be entrusted to an individual who possesses in-depth knowledge of the system’s workings and is unwavering in their commitment to upholding integrity while pursuing the transformation of the government’s service delivery into a world-class standard.

“Furthermore, I trust that the appointed Ombudsman will wholeheartedly fulfil their role as a steadfast advocate for the people. I hold the utmost respect for their work, which many carry out under exceptionally challenging circumstances and sometimes at considerable personal risk.

“While realism is essential, it should never come at the expense of our ideals. The longest journey commences with a single, resolute step,” he added.

Furthermore, the Beting Maro assemblyman noted that the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 is an important milestone for Sarawak in its effort towards becoming a developed State by 2030.

“Sarawak will not only be seen as the pioneer but also as the first state that implements progressive policy to address maladministration practice in public service.

“The Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 will be the legacy of the State government in upholding transparency and accountability as whatever complaints against maladministration in the public service will be directly taken up to the State assembly.”

Razaili further remarked that he fully supported the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023.

Earlier, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan tabled the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 during the DUN sitting.

Awang Tengah stated that establishing Sarawak’s law on ombudsman will provide independent oversight on the performance of the State public service agencies, which encompasses the State Civil Service, local authorities, statutory bodies, and government-linked companies. — DayakDaily