If you constantly have to play ombudsman for your beloved, you’re in a co-dependent prison of your own making. People will keep doing what they can get away with.
– Luvvie Ajayi, Nigerian-American author and speaker
Sarawak has done it again! This time it is the ombudsman.
The ombudsman: a word that may not roll off your tongue but packs a punch in the realm of accountability and justice.
This unassuming title hides the scope and duties of an individual or an office that can act as a beacon of hope for the ordinary citizen, tirelessly fighting for their rights and levelling the playing field against powerful institutions and vested interests.
From taking on government corruption to holding organisations accountable for their actions, the ombudsman armed with a pen and a voice can make a difference in the world of an ordinary citizen.
The concept of an ombudsman, which is a government official appointed to investigate complaints against public authorities and institutions, originated in Sweden in 1809. The word ‘ombudsman’ is Swedish and means ‘representative’ or ‘agent’.
The Swedish Parliament was the first to appoint an ombudsman in 1809 to investigate complaints against public officials. The Swedish model of the ombudsman proved to be highly effective and has been adopted in many countries worldwide.
It has also evolved into various forms for a multitude of purposes across many sectors related to public services. Their success depends on effective investigative bodies and powers to handle any maladministration.
Today, ombudsmen are found in various fields such as business, education, healthcare, public utilities and other areas where there is a need for an independent authority to investigate and resolve complaints.
Establishing an ombudsman institution at the national level in Malaysia has unfortunately become another unfulfilled accountability-related reform by various governments over the last four years.
According to the National Anti-Corruption Plan 2019-2023 (NACP), the timeline for setting up the ombudsman body was from January 2019 to December 2020. Still, we have not seen the proposed body called ‘Ombudsman Malaysia’ to replace the Public Complaints Bureau.
The Sarawak government, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has taken a significant step towards ensuring public accountability.
They have established the Unit Integriti Dan Ombudsman Sarawak (UNIONS) directly under the Premier’s Department, emphasising the importance of transparency and combating corruption.
With the UNIONS in place, the government can investigate any allegations of misconduct or corruption and hold civil servants and officials accountable for their actions.
The Sarawak ombudsman can investigate complaints of maladministration in the public sector, including government departments, statutory bodies, local authorities and employees.
They can make recommendations or take action to rectify issues related to maladministration, abuse of power, and misconduct. The agency may also refer matters to other authorities, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency.
In Sarawak, reports can be made via Unit Integriti Dan Ombudsman Sarawak, https://premierdept.sarawak.gov.my/UNION or in Miri City Council, via its website https://www.miricouncil.gov.my/ under Hello-i@MCC.
UNIONS, in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency, has been conducting Certified Integrity Officer courses to equip integrity officers in various Sarawak government agencies and departments with knowledge, skills and qualifications to carry out their duties effectively.
One hundred and sixty-six officials have already been certified as integrity officers. It is a crucial step towards creating a trustworthy and efficient government.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya recently disclosed that the Sarawak government will soon have its own ombudsman ordinance, the first of its kind in the country.
The bill is expected to be tabled in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) at the year’s end. He said, “No other state has such a law.”
However, the role of an ombudsman comes with its fair share of challenges. Some of the main challenges ombudsmen face includes limited powers, resistance to investigative efforts from institutions, resource constraints and lack of full cooperation from complainants.
Despite these challenges, ombudspersons can help to create a more just and equitable society.
Another area for improvement in the journey towards transparency and good governance is the prevention of victimisation towards the person disclosing information.
Disclosing wrongdoing can lead to problems for the discloser, including retaliation, harassment, and job loss.
This vile and unethical behaviour can discourage individuals from speaking up, creating a culture of fear and silence. More efforts are needed to curtail such discriminatory practices.
Good governance is not only essential for promoting accountability and transparency but also for fostering economic growth and development.
When public institutions operate in a fair, efficient, and transparent manner, it creates an environment that is conducive to investment and business growth. This, in turn, can lead to job creation, increased productivity, and overall economic development.
Conversely, poor governance can deter investment and lead to a misallocation of resources, resulting in slower economic growth and development.
So, ensuring good governance is not only a matter of principle but also a practical and necessary step towards building a thriving economy and a better society for all towards a developed Sarawak by 2030
Ultimately, creating a culture of integrity and accountability requires a commitment from all levels of an organisation, from leadership to individuals.
By promoting transparency and advocating disclosure of wrongdoings, organisations can help ensure that misconduct issues are addressed and that the voices of those who speak up are heard and valued instead of being victimised.
I am sure that the people of Sarawak have great expectations from implementing the Ombudsman Ordinance and any rules and regulations associated with good governance, integrity and transparency.
Ultimately, the passing of the Ombudsman Ordinance demonstrates that Sarawak is committed to building a brighter future for all its citizens, and that is a message that should be celebrated and embraced.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
