KUALA LUMPUR: The government is scrutinising several scopes to allow the establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia as an independent body, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman said three engagement sessions had been done with related parties to allow the investigative body to act independently.
"Three engagement sessions have been conducted separately with non-governmental organisations, public service agencies and members of parliament.
"(And) while most parties have no qualms about the establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia in principle, several matters must be addressed, particularly the scope and function of the body.
"This is because some scopes were similar and redundant with other monitoring agencies such as the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission," she said during the winding up session of the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP) mid-term review in Dewan Rakyat, today.
In 2019, the Pakatan Harapan government under the administration of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad introduced the Ombudsman Malaysia law as part of its reformation agenda. ( https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/886971/govt-expedite-tabling-...).
During Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's administration, former Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the government submitted the bill for review and approval from the Attorney-General's Chambers before being tabled in Parliament.
In 2021, former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob stated that the Ombudsman draft bill was in its final stages and was expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2022.
Meanwhile, Azalina said the government is also in the process of amending the Whistleblower and Protection Act 2010 (Act 711), in line with the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019-2023 to create a graft-free country.
She added that the government is in the final stages of receiving approval on the proposed amendment before it goes through to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).
"The government aims to finalise and present the proposed amendment (of Act 711) by November this year.
"Through the proposed amendment, the government hopes that whistleblower protection under the act will be more comprehensive and effective."
The government in May this year announced that it is mulling the establishment of a single agency to oversee whistleblowing matters and provide better protection for whistleblowers as one of its proposed amendments to the Act. ()