Latest news with #SarawakOmbudsmanOrdinance2023
Borneo Post
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Three officially sworn in to Sarawak Ombudsman roles
(Seated, from left) Juanda and Azizah in a group photo with the Ombudsmen who took their oath of office, (back row, from left) Tang, Alexander, and Toieyah, after the ceremony at the Kuching Court Complex. — Ukas photo KUCHING (Aug 4): Three individuals appointed under the Sarawak Ombudsman structure officially took their oath of office today before Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, Datuk Azizah Nawawi, at the Kuching Court Complex. According to a report from the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), among those sworn in was Alexander Unya Ambon, appointed as Deputy Chief Ombudsman effective July 1, 2025. Albert Tang Yew Liong and Toieyah Tioh were also appointed as Ombudsmen, with their appointments having taken effect on June 22 and 23, 2025, respectively. 'This move is aimed at strengthening the role of the Ombudsman institution in enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the Sarawak government, in line with the state's aspiration for good governance,' the report added. The appointments were made in accordance with Section 7 of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, which requires all appointees to be formally sworn in before officially assuming their duties. According to the Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman (OSO), the functions of the Ombudsman, as stipulated under Section 12 of the Ordinance, include receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints relating to maladministration by public service agencies in the state. The Ombudsman is also tasked with promoting good governance and accountability, recommending corrective or remedial measures, and monitoring the implementation of such recommendations. For context, Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to enact an Ombudsman law with the passing of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 on November 20, 2023. Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Dato Dr Juanda Jaya and others. good governance lead maladministration Sarawak ombudsman
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Ombudsman denies DAP allegations of delays, lack of transparency
File photo of Wisma Masja II, where the Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman is located. – Photo from Wikimedia Commons KUCHING (July 19): The Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman (OSO) has refuted allegations by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen that the state government delayed and lacked transparency in tabling a report from the Ombudsman unit. In a statement today, the OSO described Chong's claims, which were reported by Free Malaysia Today on July 16, as 'factually incorrect and legally misconceived'. 'The OSO views the allegation that no hearing was done as factually incorrect and legally misconceived,' said the office. In the report, Chong had also stated that the process of the Sarawak Ombudsman presenting its first report in the State Legislative Assembly had been very slow and that there had been 'no hearings'. In response, the OSO clarified that in carrying out its duties, the Ombudsman is empowered to conduct investigations, make preliminary inquiries, recommend mediation, and produce reports — but not to hold adjudicative hearings. They explained that the role of the Ombudsman is defined under Section 12 of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 (SOO 2023). 'To receive, investigate, and resolve complaints relating to maladministration by Sarawak state public service agencies; promote good governance and accountability; recommend remedial or corrective measures based on findings; and monitor the implementation of such recommendations,' OSO stated. In further compliance with Section 42 of the SOO 2023, the OSO said it had submitted an Interim Report to the Minister responsible for the Ombudsman portfolio, covering the operational period from Aug 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024. 'This report is intended for tabling in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly as required by law,' the statement said. They added that a full Annual Report for 2025 will be compiled and submitted in due course to the State Legislature in accordance with the statutory framework. The OSO also reminded members of the public that complaints of maladministration against any Sarawak state public service agency may be formally lodged in writing with the Chief Ombudsman at the following address: Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman, Level 17, Wisma Masja II, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. 'All bona fide complaints that fall within the jurisdiction, powers and functions of the Sarawak Ombudsman will be investigated in accordance with the procedures and safeguards established under the SOO 2023, including the protection of complainants and the confidentiality of proceedings,' they explained. Chong Chieng Jen Sarawak ombudsman transparency
