SIBURAN: The Sarawak government will soon have its own ombudsman ordinance, the first of its kind in the country.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said the bill is expected to be tabled in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at the end of the year.
He said the draft bill had already been completed and the benchmark visit would be led by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“If this bill is passed, then it will be the first law of its kind in this country.
“No other state has such a law,” he told reporters after launching the Siburan District Series 6/223 Integrity Tour here today.
Dr Juanda assured that the provisions of the law will not extend beyond the duties of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police.
“We will follow what is practised by developed countries in our effort to ensure that the people’s concerns and problems at the grassroots level about abuse of power, distribution of allocations and delivery are heard and resolved,” he added.
In addition, Dr Juanda said Sarawak already has a total of 166 certified integrity officers stationed in state government offices and agencies throughout.
He also said that the Sarawak government under the leadership of Abang Johari is serious in its efforts to uphold integrity among political leaders, government officials and grassroots leaders, including community leaders.
Asked about cases of abuse of power and corruption involving government officials and politicians, Dr Juanda said so far there has not been any case involving serious criminal elements submitted by the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) to the MACC for prosecution.
“It is true that we (UNIONS) have received complaints regarding the misconduct of government officials, and internal action, including disciplinary action, has been taken against those officers involved.
“If there is a criminal element, we will hand the case over to the MACC,” he added.
Today’s tour was attended by a total of 180 participants consisting of community and tribal leaders, members of the village development and security committee (JKKK), civil servants and local authority members.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak (Air and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, MACC senior assistant director Semawi Mohamad and acting Siburan district officer Ranum Bari.
