The Malaysia Ombudsman Bill, aimed at strengthening governance and accountability, is set to be tabled in Parliament this year

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Ombudsman Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the Second Meeting of the Fifth Term this year as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen governance and accountability in the public sector.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said (pic) said the draft bill is currently undergoing final preparation and refinements, including detailed legal review and final coordination with relevant agencies.

“The government is committed to ensuring that the bill is drafted carefully so that the structure, jurisdiction and powers of the Ombudsman are clearly defined and can be implemented effectively,” she said in a written reply in the Dewan Negara.

Azalina added that the enforcement date will be determined after the bill is passed by Parliament and receives royal assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“The government will also ensure an orderly transition period, including the restructuring of functions among existing agencies to facilitate smooth implementation,” she said.

Azalina was responding to Senator Pele Peter Tinggom, who asked when the Ombudsman Bill would be tabled and enforced, as growing concerns over integrity and corruption issues among civil servants, particularly senior officials and heads of departments.

 The Sun Malaysia