Checks and balances, not checks and branding, says PBB info chief to DAP Sarawak chief

Hadzman Johny

KUCHING, May 14: Checks and balances are indeed important, but they must be exercised with sincerity and genuine intent to improve governance, not to politicise every issue for the sake of optics or political advantage.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Batu Lintang Info Chief Hadzman Johny was referring to the argument of Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen (PH-DAP) on May 13 (Wednesday) which objected to the composition of the select committee under the Sarawak Ombudsman framework on the grounds that opposition members were excluded, while all appointed members were from the ruling coalition, with the exception of an independent assemblyman whom he speculated might soon join the coalition.

To Hadzman, the statement of Chong, who is also Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak on the composition of the Ombudsman Select Committee appears to have unnecessarily politicised an institutional matter that should be approached with maturity and responsibility.

“First and foremost, the select committee is not a body with absolute powers. Any recommendation or finding made by the committee will still be tabled before the Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak (DUNS) for scrutiny, debate, and final consideration. Every elected representative, including those from the opposition bench, retains the right to raise concerns, provide feedback, and participate in the democratic process within the August House.

“As such, the claim that there is no check and balance simply because opposition members are not part of the committee is misleading and creates an inaccurate perception of how the process works,” said Hadzman in a statement.

He thus held that the assumption, or rather the insinuation, made by Chong at a select committee comprising only Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) or GPS friendly members would somehow compromise transparency and integrity, was quite malicious in nature.

The remark, he said, was clearly ill intended and far fetched, especially considering the fact that he himself, as a member of DUNS still retains every opportunity to participate in scrutinising and debating whether the work and recommendations of the select committee meet the proper standards of transparency, integrity, and honesty.

“So why create such a fuss in the first place?” Hadzman asked.

He further pointed out that while the inclusion of opposition representatives can always be considered in the spirit of inclusivity, such participation must also be constructive and responsible, what should not happen is for the committee to be turned into another political battleground aimed at creating unnecessary confrontation or political mileage.

“The Ombudsman institution is meant to strengthen governance, improve administrative accountability, and protect the interests of the rakyat. It should not be distracted by partisan politics or political theatrics that undermine its actual purpose.

“Sarawakians expect all parties to act responsibly in matters involving institutional reform. The rakyat are more concerned about whether the mechanism can function effectively and professionally rather than endless political narratives designed to gain attention,” said Hadzman. —DayakDaily