SLA approves motion for establishment of Ombudsman Select Committee, with Lingga YB as its chairman

KUCHING, May 13 2026: The Sarawak state legislative assembly (SLA) has approved a ministerial motion for  the establishment of the Ombudsman Special Select Committee, with Lingga state legislative member (SLM) Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, an accountant, as its chairman. 

Caption: Deputy Minister Dr Juanda Jaya  says that the committee is established to ensure that all reports, recommendations and reprimands presented in the Ombudsman's report are complied with and implemented by the government. 

The motion, tabled by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), was approved after receiving a majority vote from SLMs after five members took part in the debate.

The five members are Batu Lintang SLM See Chee How, Kota Sentosa SLM Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, Tebedu SLM Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Ngemah SLM Anyi Jana and Tellian SLM Royston Valentine.

See brings with him the experience of a senior legal practitioner who has served his constituency since 2011.

His expertise in constitutional law, human rights, and legal reform is well demonstrated by his representation of landowners in Native Customary Rights disputes, well versed in matters involving land administration in Sarawak.  

Wilfred Yap is also a lawyer by profession with more than 30 years of experience and known for his dedication to grassroots development, urban planning, and service delivery.  

Dr Simon Sinang is a veterinary surgeon, Anyi is a distinguished former educator and administrator who has devoted much of his career to advancing education in Sarawak.  

Royston is a strong proponent of youth activism and representing the voice of the young generation ensuring representation of every strata of society is heard in this forum.

Speaking at a press conference later, Dr Juanda said that under Section 42(3) of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, a Special Select Committee can be appointed through a motion made under the Standing Orders of the State Legislative Assembly to consider any matter relating to reports raised in the House.

He said the committee was established to ensure that all reports, recommendations and reprimands presented in the Ombudsman's report are complied with and implemented by the government.

"Any findings from the people's reports and complaints assessed by the Ombudsman, and if the Ombudsman finds that there is a basis for giving reprimands, suggestions or improvements to the government, then the matter will be reviewed by this special committee to ensure that action has been taken," he said.

He added that the move proves that Sarawak is now moving on par with developed countries in ensuring that issues of misgovernance and abuse of power are reprimanded and corrected through a more transparent check and balance mechanism.

Dr Juanda also explained that the Ombudsman's report will be tabled in the State Legislative Assembly and can be debated by the SLMs as a manifestation of transparency and accountability at the highest level. 

"Currently, our ordinance stipulates the jurisdiction of misgovernance that will be reviewed by the Ombudsman involves state government agencies, local authorities, state statutory bodies, state government-owned enterprises as well as any party that receives wages or salaries from the state government," he said.