KUCHING: The Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit has extended its functions to include inspecting projects undertaken by the state government that are delayed.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that inspections on completed projects are also included to ensure they are completed based on specifications, budget, and schedule – with the successful ones used as a benchmark for other similar projects.
“On the whole, projects must be properly and successfully implemented.
“We must fulfil our commitment to the rakyat and must deliver projects for the benefit of the rakyat.”
His text of speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during Ombuds Day 2022 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Today (Oct 13).
On inspection visits, Abang Johari said the purpose was not to intentionally find fault or to mete out punishment but to seek ways to resolve problems or issues contributing to delayed or critically-delayed projects.
“At the recent Majlis Amanat Perdana Integriti 2022 (MAP-I 2022), I categorically mandated the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit with the authority to become the central body responsible in overseeing, investigating and seeking resolutions on matters pertaining to maladministration, bureaucracy and red tapes in the public sector.
“This also serves to build better public administration and to strengthen the bond between the government and the people.”
He stressed that all ministries, departments and agencies ought to continue to give their support and cooperation to Sarawak Ombudsman in managing and resolving complaints effectively and efficiently.
“Ombudsman strives to ensure the public are served by a fair and efficient public administration that is committed to accountable, openness and quality of services.
“We want our ombudsman to be on par with the other established ombudsman when undertaking its roles and responsibilities.
“The Sarawak Ombudsman will, where relevant, make recommendations for improvements to the process and procedures or on any matters relating to public administration.”
Over the last four years of the unit’s inception, Abang Johari said Sarawak Ombudsman had taken the bold step to move forward and performed quite well in managing complaints effectively and efficiently.
Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya; 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.
