KUCHING,Sept 14 — Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today said the Sarawak branch of the Attorney General’s Chambers has studied a draft of the Ombudsman Bill, with the input gathered from countries he visited this year.
“It is the state government’s wish that integrity will become part of the people’s life.
“Hopefully, it will result in the peace and prosperity of the people,” he said at the opening of the National Integrity Conference here.
The premier said the ombudsman report will be submitted directly to the state assembly under the Ombudsman Ordinance that is going to be tabled and approved in the November 2023 sitting.
He said the reporting system will not be to the Premier’s Department to avoid allegations of abuse.
He said the state assembly, being an independent body, will form a select committee to conduct investigation into any wrongdoings.
“This is fair,” he added.
He said if a person has committed any offence, he must answer for it as the select committee operates along the way the parliament account committee does.
“If the report is submitted to the state assembly, at least the public will know,” he added.
He said there is no need for state government officers or departments to worry if they do the right thing.
