KOTA SAMARAHAN – The Sarawak Ombudsman, though only established a year ago, has been recognised as a promising institution with the potential to strengthen governance and accountability in the years ahead.
During a lecture at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Christian Britten Lundblad, the newly elected Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman, expressed confidence in the Sarawak body’s trajectory. He noted that the institution’s success would depend on public participation, particularly in reporting administrative shortcomings for investigation.
“Yesterday I saw the report board, there were many reports. I saw many Danes making reports, but I could also see Sarawakians doing the same if the government authorities did not carry out their duties properly. Therefore, once again, to build confidence among the people, I am confident that the Sarawak Ombudsman institution will succeed in the future,” he said.
Lundblad, who assumed his role earlier this year after serving as President of the Court of Frederiksberg, highlighted Denmark’s experience as the least corrupt country globally, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
He explained that Denmark’s Ombudsman system has been instrumental in maintaining integrity and public trust, offering a model that Sarawak could adapt.
The Danish official also suggested that Sarawak’s initiative could serve as a foundation for a federal-level Ombudsman in Malaysia. He encouraged Malaysian authorities to engage with Copenhagen should the Malaysian Ombudsman Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament in early 2026, be approved.
The proposed federal body aims to address maladministration, misconduct, whistleblower protection, and freedom of information.
UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ir Dr Siti Noor Linda Taib, welcomed the Danish delegation’s visit, noting that it provided students with valuable insights into parliamentary systems and governance practices in Denmark.
She emphasised that such exchanges could inspire reforms in Malaysia and Sarawak, particularly in strengthening transparency and accountability.
The event also underscored growing bilateral cooperation between Sarawak and Denmark. Earlier meetings between the Sarawak Ombudsman, led by Dato Sri Abdul Ghafur Shariff, and Lundblad focused on exchanging expertise and building institutional capacity. Both sides agreed that collaboration would enhance oversight in public administration.
Among those present were Kirstine Vangkilde Berner, Danish Ambassador to Malaysia, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, Chairman of the UNIMAS Board of Directors, and other distinguished guests.
Their attendance reflected the importance of international partnerships in shaping Sarawak’s governance landscape.
The Sarawak Ombudsman’s progress, coupled with Malaysia’s forthcoming federal initiative, signals a broader commitment to integrity and accountability.
Observers believe that with continued public engagement and international cooperation, the institution could play a pivotal role in strengthening democratic governance across the nation.
