He said the ombudsman could help protect the people by conducting investigations into any such misconduct.

“It is time for the Public Complaints Bureau to be upgraded and the ombudsman system set up to look into the complaints of the public about misconduct by certain parties.

“This is similar to what has been implemented in various countries like Sweden and New Zealand,” he told reporters at an event organised by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) here last night.

Lee, who is Niosh chairman, said the ombudsman system was important to help correct weaknesses, leakages and corruption in the government administration.

He also supported the move to reduce the salaries of Cabinet members by 10% as announced by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday.

“It is a good start. The move will hopefully reduce government expenditure and boost the financial position of the country,” he said.