SEBUYAU: Complaints on the delivery of public services should be channelled to the Ombudsman Unit if the relevant agencies do not provide solutions or act on them.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the Ombudsman Unit is a good alternative to voice concerns about the delivery of public services.
“If the relevant agency cannot provide a good solution to your complaint or does not act on your complaint, you can make a complaint to the Ombudsman,” he said.
He said this at the launching of the Integrity Tour Series 8/2023 for Sebuyau district at the Sebuyau Development Hall here, on Saturday.
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Dr Juanda Jaya, one of the main functions of the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNIONS) is the management of ombudsman complaints.
This role, he said, is to receive various complaints and suggestions from the public (individuals) related to the services of government agencies and departments.
“All complaints are examined and investigated based on the International Ombudsman’s practice of independence, impartiality, confidentiality and informality.
“Through the Ombudsman, the Sarawak government has opened up space for the public to give constructive views on the quality of public service delivery.
“This platform should be fully utilised by the public by channelling or making their complaints to UNIONS,” he explained.
At the same time, said Dr Juanda, the Sarawak government has put in place 166 Certified Integrity Officers (CeIO) in various ministries, departments, divisional administrations, statutory bodies as well as several Government Linked Companies (GLCs).
“It is to ensure integrity, regulations and good governance are practiced,” he said.
He also said starting this year, the state government decided that all financial reports and expenditure estimates from statutory bodies and local authorities (PBT) must be submitted to the UNIONS.
“It is intended for review and comment before being submitted for Cabinet approval.
“This step is a proactive move by the state government to strengthen the governance and internal management capabilities of a government organisation,” he said.
