Sarawak’s deputy integrity and ombudsman minister Juanda Jaya said the Ombudsman Ordinance came into effect in April and the Sarawak chief Ombudsman was appointed in June.

“Currently, we are managing administrative, staffing and operational matters.

“So we will report activities and cases handled by the Ombudsman at the Sarawak state assembly from next year.

“So at the upcoming state assembly session (this month), there will be no report from the Ombudsman,” he told reporters after attending a corruption and legal liability workshop for state assemblymen here today.

On Nov 20 last year, the Sarawak state assembly passed the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023, enabling the public to report maladministration within the state’s public service agencies.

The bill, tabled by Sarawak deputy premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, was unanimously passed.

During his winding-up speech, Awang Tengah said the Ombudsman’s report, including findings, recommendations and opinions, will be published in full at the state assembly.

“A special select committee can be appointed on a motion made under the assembly’s Standing Orders to consider any matter arising from the report.

“Unlike the Public Accounts Committee, reports made by the Ombudsman carry legal authority,” he said.

He said government-linked companies in Sarawak are also subject to investigations and scrutiny by the Ombudsman.