Ombudsman will foster public trust in govt bodies

IT is imperative to establish the ombudsman system in Sarawak because it will foster public trust in government institutions and organisations by demonstrating a commitment to addressing concerns and protecting individual rights.
Royston Valentine (GPS-Tellian) stated that the establishment of the Sarawak Ombudsman Law will help maintain a fair and just society by providing a space for individuals to seek resolution, fostering accountability, and enhancing transparency within organisations.
He said that the ombudsman plays a crucial role in promoting good governance in government by increasing awareness of people’s rights, investigating complaints, and holding government entities accountable.
“They contribute to the overall improvement of governance standards and ensure the effective functioning of public administration.
“In terms of systemic improvements, through their investigations and analyses, the ombudsman can identify patterns of injustice or inefficiency in the government.
“They can make suggestions for systemic improvements, policy changes, or reforms to enhance the quality and efficiency of government services and operations,” he said during the debate on the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 in the House on Monday (Nov 20).
Royston added that ombudsman serves as a mediator, facilitating the resolution of conflicts and disputes between individuals and organisations, as well as issues arising within an organisation due to administrative shortcomings.
“They play a role in helping to find mutually agreed-upon solutions, resolving complaints promptly and fairly, ensuring the protection of people’s rights, and delivering fair outcomes to all parties involved.
“By investigating complaints against organisations responsible for their actions, the ombudsman helps ensure that institutions uphold their responsibilities and adhere to ethical and legal standards,” he added.
He said the ombudsman provides an easily accessible avenue for voicing grievances and seeking solutions.
And this, he said, would help address issues at an early stage, preventing them from escalating into bigger problems and becoming a definite disturbance to government administration.
“Ombudsman operates independently and impartially, ensuring that individuals have a neutral party to seek assistance and resolution for any concerns they may have.
“Ombudsman also promotes transparency by providing a platform for people to voice their concerns and complaints about government actions or decisions. This helps build trust between the government and its people and ensures that government operations are conducted fairly and justly,” he added.