KUCHING (Nov 3): Sarawak will host the inaugural Sarawak Ombudsman Day 2025 at the Riverside Majestic Hotel here on Nov 5, marking another milestone in the state’s efforts to promote transparency and good governance.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said the event will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“The Sarawak Ombudsman Day 2025 will serve as an important platform for knowledge and experience sharing in strengthening public governance.

“Under the theme Planting the Seed of Good Governance, this reflects the state government’s commitment in encouraging a culture of good governance, integrity and high accountability within the state administration,” he told a press conference at his office in Baitulmakmur Building II here today.

He added that the theme aligns with the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 objectives, which aim to make Sarawak a developed and high-integrity state by the year 2030.

Juanda said the event will gather Ombudsman figures from the country as well as overseas.

“Among the key guests are the Indonesia’s Chief Ombudsman Bapak Muhammad Najib, Thailand Ombudsman deputy secretary-general Sirin Chaopetdee, representatives from the Philippines Ombudsman, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Philippines, Sarawak Chief Ombudsman Dato Sri Abdul Ghafur Shariff and members of Sarawak Ombudsman who will be sharing their insights.

“Various forums and academic discussions will take place throughout the event, including a session led by Professor Dr Yohannes Wijantoro from Indonesia, in managing public complaints against government agencies,” he said.

He added that the event aims to raise public awareness about the role and functions of the Sarawak Ombudsman, particularly in handling, investigating, and resolving complaints of maladministration involving state government agencies.

“Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to officially establish an Ombudsman institution through the Sarawak Ombudsman ordinance 2023, making it a pioneer in fostering integrity-driven governance in the country.

“The establishment of Sarawak Ombudsman ensures the voices of the people are heard and their complaints addressed fairly and transparently,” he added.

Also present today at the press conference were Sarawak Chief Ombudsman Dato Sri Abdul Ghafur Shariff, Sarawak Ombudsman Deputy Chief Alexander Unya Ambon and Ombudsman representatives Albert Tang Yew Liong and Toieyah Tioh.