KUCHING – The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) has officially approved the appointment of members to the newly established Ombudsman Special Select Committee, marking a significant step towards strengthening transparency and accountability in state governance.
The motion, tabled during the 19th DUN sitting on Wednesday, was presented by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya. It received majority support after being debated by five assemblymen.
The committee will be chaired by Lingga Assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor. Other members include Batu Lintang Assemblyman See Chee How, Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, Tebedu Assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Ngemah Assemblyman Anyi Jana and Tellian Assemblyman Royston Valentine.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr Juanda explained that the committee was formed under Section 42(3) of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023. He noted that the Standing Orders of the Assembly allow for the creation of such a body to examine matters raised in Ombudsman reports.
He stressed that the committee’s role is to ensure that recommendations, findings and observations contained in Ombudsman reports are acted upon by the government.
“Any findings arising from reports and public complaints assessed by the Ombudsman, and where there are grounds for recommendations, reprimands or improvements to be proposed to the government, will be reviewed by this special committee to ensure appropriate action has been taken,” he said.
Dr Juanda added that the establishment of the committee demonstrates Sarawak’s progress in adopting governance practices comparable to those in developed nations. He highlighted that the system of checks and balances would help address issues of maladministration and abuse of power more effectively.
He further explained that Ombudsman reports will be tabled in the assembly and may be debated by assemblymen, reflecting a commitment to transparency and accountability at the highest level.
“At present, our ordinance stipulates that the jurisdiction of maladministration to be reviewed by the Ombudsman covers state government agencies, local authorities, state statutory bodies, and state-owned enterprises as well as any parties receiving remuneration or salaries from the state government,” he said.
The creation of the Ombudsman Special Select Committee is widely seen as a move to strengthen institutional accountability, ensuring that public complaints are not only heard but also addressed through structured legislative oversight.
Analysts suggest that this initiative could help build greater public trust in governance and reinforce Sarawak’s commitment to responsive administration.
