Sarawak sets the pace in groundbreaking enactments

AS 2023 draws to a close, Sarawak stands at the forefront of legislative achievements, having passed two groundbreaking bills that signal a significant leap forward for the state.

The Sarawak Ombudsman Bill, 2023, and the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Bill established Sarawak as a pioneer in these crucial areas.

The Sarawak Ombudsman Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and passed on Nov 21, marks a historic moment for the state, making it the first in the country to enact such legislation.

Aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within government agencies, the bill empowers the public to report maladministration to the Ombudsman. This move is poised to introduce effective checks and balances, facilitating the improvement of public delivery systems and procedures.

The Bill requires the Ombudsman to submit reports to the state legislative assembly, through its Minister, on its activities and its affairs; the result of any enquiry carried out by the Ombudsman including any findings, recommendations and opinion; and other reports which the Ombudsman may consider necessary.

The Sarawak Ombudsman will be led by a Chief Ombudsman and a Deputy Chief Ombudsman, along with three to five other Ombudsmen who possess relevant expertise or experience to ensure its effectiveness.

Awang Tengah said the appointment of these Ombudsmen will be made by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, and they will take an oath of office for a maximum term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

The Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Bill, which was also passed unanimously, underscores Sarawak’s commitment to responsible development.

Hasidah holds the bill document. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, emphasised the state’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions by at least 45 per cent, creating green job opportunities, empowering small and medium enterprises, and developing sustainable infrastructure by 2030.

The Bill is designed to safeguard Sarawak’s environment by implementing strategies to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

“Malaysia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Additionally, the nation aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, as per the Paris Agreement of 2015.

“Likewise, Sarawak is dedicated to addressing climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and adopting strategies aligned with the global target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, which also falls under the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focusing on environmental sustainability,” she said.

She also said that the bill paved the way for Sarawak to have its own, complete regulatory framework on clean and renewable energy and underlining its status as one of the global clean energy leaders.

“The Bill also provides opportunities for Sarawakians to take part in projects and activities which will mitigate the effects of global warming and to earn carbon credits for their efforts.

“These activities will also enable Sarawak to have a new source of revenue which would enhance the state’s capacity towards developing the state in an economically sustainable manner,” she said.

Hasidah added the Bill provides for measures and steps to reduce emission of greenhouse gases.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the laws passed will be a game changer for Sarawak and will strengthen the state’s fiscal position.

“Sarawak is the first state in the country to pass a bill on the environment and this is for us to protect our rights and add value to our resources while at the same time to focus on carbon trading.

Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, said the laws on ombudsman demonstrate the state’s seriousness in upholding integrity.

“We can see that during the sitting this time, there are only two opposition (members). And the others have recognised GPS’ struggle all this while,” he said, adding that even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim thanked and acknowledged GPS for contributing to the political stability of the Madani government.

In the view of political analyst, Dr Arnold Puyok, Sarawak’s political stability must be credited for its ability to pass the laws.

He said Sarawak, unlike in other states, was able to push through such laws because it has not been too concerned with other issues in the religious or racial realm.

Meanwhile, senior fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs Dr Oh Ei Sun while echoing the views of Dr Arnold, said other states, particularly those led by the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN), have other issues to focus on.

“Other states typically follow the federal government’s lead. And the PN states are concerned with religious rather than socioeconomic enactments,” he said.