PUTRAJAYA – The MADANI Government has announced a series of institutional and legislative reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity within Malaysia’s public administration.
During the 8th Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance (JKKTN) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the government confirmed plans to establish Ombudsman Malaysia as a central body to handle public complaints.
The agency will be empowered with a wider mandate covering maladministration, misconduct, whistleblower protection, and freedom of information.
The Ombudsman Malaysia Bill is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament in early 2026, following refinements and stakeholder consultations.
Officials have indicated that the legislation will serve as a cornerstone in improving service delivery and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Anwar stressed that the move reflects the government’s determination to uphold integrity in the public sector.
“This establishment reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the rights of the people and preserving the integrity of the public service,” he said.
Beyond the Ombudsman initiative, the JKKTN meeting also discussed measures to enhance corporate compliance among companies entrusted with managing public funds.
The government intends to introduce new laws to regulate State-Owned or Controlled Enterprises (SOEs), including subsidiaries of statutory bodies, ensuring that their social mandates are fulfilled under structured governance frameworks.
The reforms are part of a broader agenda under the MADANI framework, which has already seen progress in areas such as whistleblower protection and bureaucratic red tape reduction.
Treasury officials have emphasised that sustained reforms are essential to maintain Malaysia’s competitiveness and investor confidence.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has welcomed the proposals, noting that the Ombudsman will complement existing anti-corruption strategies, including the rollout of a Digital Procurement System under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS).
Observers view these developments as a significant step towards holistic governance reform. By combining institutional restructuring with legal safeguards, the government aims to ensure that both citizens and investors can trust the transparency of Malaysia’s administration.
With the Ombudsman Bill expected in 2026 and new compliance laws under consideration, the MADANI Government is signalling a long-term commitment to reforming governance structures and reinforcing public confidence in the quality of services delivered.
