KUCHING: The public should not be afraid to report or submit complaints to the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit.
In stating this, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said complaints should not be viewed negatively but as something that contributes to improvement and solution to a problem.
“The Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints related to maladministration and to give recommendations to improve the delivery of government services.
“I would like to call upon everyone to come forward with your honest, truthful and reasonable complaints…this will improve Sarawak’s public service delivery system and establish better governance so that the rights of all parties are preserved and defended.”
Juanda, who is also the Jemoreng assemblyman, said this at the launch of Ombuds Day at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Today (Oct 13).
“Ombuds Day is celebrated on Thursday in the second week of October every year.
“Its objective is to spread, educate and raise awareness about ombudsman.
“This year’s theme set by the International Ombuds Association (IOA) is Resilience, Respect and Resolve,” he explained.
The two-day event would feature presentations from experts such as Professor Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Salleh Yaapar, former Ombudsman of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM); Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Md Tahir Md Azhar of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM); Professor Dr Sofri Yahya of USM; chief executive officer Ombudsman for Financial Services, Marina Baharuddin; Ombudsman for Financial Services, Intan Khadiza; and Legal Adviser USM, Dr Khairul Anuar Che Azmi.
Representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the event was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Among those present were Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk John Sikie Tayai; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Deputy State Secretary (Administration), Datuk Buckland Bangik; and Deputy State Secretary (Performance and Service Delivery Transformation), Datuk Dr Sabariah Putit.
On Friday (Oct 14), a special training for certified integrity officer (CEIOS) will be held on how to run ombudsman complaint investigation in a proper, transparent and professional way.
