KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Ombudsman Datuk Seri Abdul Ghafur Shariff recently delivered a briefing on the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 during a session organised by Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The briefing aimed to provide an in-depth introduction to the functions and strategic direction of the Sarawak Ombudsman institution in its efforts to strengthen governance, transparency, and integrity within the state’s public service.
In his speech, Abdul Ghafur emphasised that the Sarawak Ombudsman is an independent institution that plays a key role in addressing complaints against government agencies in a fair, professional manner, guided by principles of integrity.
He also highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration between the Sarawak Ombudsman and various stakeholders, including international organisations, to drive administrative reform in line with Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a developed state by 2030.
The session was also attended by Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Vickram Ragunath, UNODC National programme officer Justin Jarret, TI-M delegates, and officers from the Sarawak Ombudsman Management Division.
UNODC welcomed the Sarawak government’s initiative to establish the ombudsman institution, describing it as a progressive step in enhancing public service delivery and a model of best practice at the state level.
