The proposed Ombudsman Act has entered its final stage and is set to be tabled before the Cabinet as part of the government’s institutional reform agenda.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the draft bill is ready for Cabinet approval, paving the way for it to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat at the earliest opportunity.
Azalina acknowledged that some civil servants and state governments are uncomfortable with the establishment of an Ombudsman, saying greater accountability is often met with resistance.
“I believe many state governments do not agree with the Ombudsman. Who likes being criticised? But it is Parliament’s responsibility to pass laws like this,” she said.
She stressed that the Ombudsman would benefit the public by providing an independent avenue to lodge complaints over maladministration and weaknesses in public institutions, even if it may be less favourable for the government.
The Ombudsman is among the government’s key institutional reform initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and improving public sector accountability.
Azalina said the body is not intended to duplicate the role of enforcement agencies, but instead will identify systemic weaknesses, recommend improvements and promote better administrative practices.
She added that the initiative is expected to boost public confidence in government institutions while helping civil servants improve the quality of public service delivery.
