Premier to begin work visit to Sweden this Monday

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will commence a two-day working visit to Sweden, starting Monday, primarily to benchmark on ombudsman legislation and implementation.
 
He had previously made known the intention of the Sarawak government to strengthen the role and functions of its ombudsman system by enacting legislation to place it under the state legislative assembly.
 
Sweden is picked as a benchmarking partner as it is renowned for its rich and honourable legacy of upholding democratic principles, human rights, transparency, and accountability.
 
Its highly regarded ombudsman institution has been instrumental in safeguarding citizens’ rights and interests while also promoting responsible governance and effective public administration since its establishment in 1809.
 
It has been previously reported that the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance will be tabled in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting by the end of this year. Once approved, Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to have an Ombudsman Ordinance.
 
Apart from that, Abang Johari and members of his entourage will engage with Swedish energy authorities and power operators during the visit.
 
He is expected to continue on with the visit to Norway to gain insights into the development and operation of onshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen facilities in Bergen.
 
He is scheduled to meet with officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy as well as hold discussions with industry players in Norway on CCS, net-zero emissions, and decarbonisation initiatives.
 
Abang Johari will then fly to London to cap off the weeklong visit with a meeting with Shell’s top officials at the multinational’s headquarters in the British capital.
 
Accompanying the Premier on the trip are Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is Minister for International Trade and Investment; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and several top government and government-linked companies (GLC) officials.