KUCHING, 14 July 2026 – The Special Select Committee on Ombudsman convened its First Meeting (1/2026) to discuss the Committee's role, direction and operational framework in supporting the implementation of the Ombudsman institution in Sarawak.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson of the Special Select Committee on Ombudsman, Puan Dayang Noorazah binti Awang Sohor, and featured a special address by the Speaker of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nasar. Also in attendance were Honourable Members of the Special Select Committee on Ombudsman, the Chief of Sarawak Ombudsman, Dato Sri Abdul Ghafur bin Shariff, Distinguished Members of the Sarawak Ombudsman, and the Secretary of the Special Select Committee on Ombudsman, Tuan Nur Azhar bin Bujang.

During the first session, the Chief of Sarawak Ombudsman gave a briefing on the Ombudsman institution, including its role, functions and jurisdiction. The session concluded with a question-and-answer discussion between the Committee Members and the Ombudsman team.

The second session focused on reviewing the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Special Select Committee on Ombudsman, covering the Committee's mandate, reporting procedures, operational matters and other key aspects that will guide its functions.

The meeting marked an important step towards strengthening the Committee's role as an institutional oversight mechanism while supporting greater accountability, transparency and good governance in the delivery of public services throughout Sarawak.