No political influence assured

THERE will be no political influence that can be exerted under Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance that will interfere with investigations of a complaint.

Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki said the Sarawak government respects the concept of separation of powers and the importance for the Sarawak Ombudsman to be independent for it to fulfill its objective and functions.

“As a politician and a public servant, I can anticipate various interpretation of this Bill that the government wants to introduce.

“With the passage of the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill, we will continue to make history to be the first state to have a dedicated agency to keep us, the government, honest as well as those who are entrusted by the public,” he said when debating on the Bill during the first day of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Monday.

While admitting that the Bill will not be a cure-all for social and systemic ills that lead to maladministration, malpractice and corruption, he nonetheless stressed that it is a big step towards ensuring transparency, accountability and upholding public trust.

He said trust is important as the government needs the public to trust them with policies that would serve them.

“The public too need a reason for them to trust that we would discharge our powers faithfully and not abuse it willy-nilly.

“With better public perception of a government, it will only benefit the people in terms of policy, improved service delivery as well as improving our image in the eyes of the world,” he said.

Ibrahim added that this is important for them to attract investment to Sarawak which is crucial towards economic development, job creation and elevating the household income.