KUALA LUMPUR: The government is advancing plans to establish the Ombudsman Malaysia as part of its national agenda to enhance governance, accountability in public services, and provide a more effective complaint channel, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the initiative aimed to replace the Public Complaints Bureau (BPA) and the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).
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"Since 2023, a pro-tem committee has developed initial proposals on the structure, functions and jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.
"This includes a year-long engagement session from July last year to July this year with stakeholders nationwide," she said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 12).
She noted that the engagement sessions involved hundreds of participants and benchmarks from countries like Australia and New Zealand.
Azalina said the discussions covered the scope of complaints, federal-state jurisdiction, and misconduct.
"The findings are being refined into a policy framework for Cabinet consideration.
"If approved, the legislation will be introduced in the upcoming session," she added.
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She told Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) that the proposed Ombudsman would initially cover federal agencies, with potential expansion to state-level agencies depending on state government agreements.
"The Ombudsman will operate independently, unlike the BPA, which was under government control," she said.
Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) raised concerns about maintaining the Ombudsman's integrity and effectiveness.
Acknowledging these concerns, Azalina emphasised the Ombudsman's role in addressing maladministration and misconduct.
"The Ombudsman will also assume responsibilities for the Whistleblower Protection Act and Freedom of Information," she said, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability.
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Azalina hoped that the legislative framework could be presented by October, reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing a transparent and accountable governance system.
"We aim to ensure that these processes are not mere rhetoric but tangible actions," she added.
The establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia is a key component of the government's efforts to enhance governance and accountability.
As part of the Madani agenda, the proposed Ombudsman will replace the BPA and EAIC, providing a more effective mechanism for addressing public grievances.
The initiative aims to strengthen integrity and transparency in public administration while boosting public and investor confidence in Malaysia's governance.
