Kuala lumpur: The proposed Malaysian Ombudsman is aimed at addressing public perceptions over the transparency of internal complaint processes and does not mean existing mechanisms are ineffective, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) emphasized that the Public Complaints Bureau (BPA) is not ineffective but is subject to public perceptions concerning the transparency and outcomes of complaints because it operates within the government's administrative structure.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina stated that the new Ombudsman will separate the Public Complaints Bureau from government agencies, establishing it as an independent body. This move is intended to avoid public hesitation in lodging complaints and ensure that all reports of misconduct are examined seriously and without bias. Azalina clarified that the Ombudsman would not be an enforcement body but would instead receive complaints, conduct investigations, and make recommendations to the disciplinary board of the relevant agency for further action.
The proposed Ombudsman is part of a broader initiative to improve public confidence in government processes. Recommendations made by the Ombudsman would be tabled in Parliament as part of the institutional checks and balances process. During a town hall session, Azalina noted that similar structures, like the IPCC within the Royal Malaysia Police, have their own mini ombudsmen to conduct investigations. She reiterated the importance of implementing the Ombudsman step by step to ensure effectiveness.
In addition to the Ombudsman, Azalina highlighted the drafting of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act as a key reform to strengthen government openness and protect the public's right to access information. This effort aligns with current needs to improve transparency in public administration, particularly in disseminating information to the populace. Azalina underscored the necessity of the FOI Act by citing instances where government departments fail to respond promptly to public inquiries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously indicated that the proposal to establish the Malaysian Ombudsman and the drafting of the FOI Act were undergoing engagement sessions and were expected to be tabled during the 2026 Parliament sitting. Recent media reports also noted that Azalina confirmed both institutional reform initiatives involving the government would be tabled at the upcoming Parliament sitting.
According to the Parliament portal, the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat sitting will be held for 16 days from June 22 to July 16 this year.