KUALA LUMPUR: Plans to establish Ombudsman Malaysia must include giving the body sufficient enforcement powers, says a Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner.
Ragunath Kesavan said while he agreed with a proposal to merge the Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) and the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) to establish Ombudsman Malaysia, details of its powers must be clear.
"What are their powers? Can they direct action to be taken or are they merely advisory?", he told the New Straits Times.
He said the idea for Ombudsman Malaysia was good as it would allow for oversight over a wider range of complaints.
"But Ombudsman Malaysia must have sufficient powers of enforcement. They must have the ability to have oversight and direct government bodies in making decisions", Ragunath said.
Malaysian Corruption Watch (MCW) president Jais Abdul Karim said the proposal could streamline oversight mechanisms, making it easier for citizens to lodge complaints and seek redress.
He added that a unified body could more efficiently and effectively address public grievances and ensure that enforcement agencies operate with integrity.
The idea for Ombudsman Malaysia was first hatched in 1970s. However, it was only in 2019 that prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad got the ball rolling on establishing the proposed body.
In April, the government announced it would study the mechanism for establishing Ombudsman Malaysia.
Jais said it was important for the government to clearly define the roles, responsibilities, and powers of Ombudsman Malaysia.
"This includes ensuring that it has the authority to investigate complaints thoroughly and enforce recommendations effectively.
"Building public trust in the new body is paramount. Transparency in the merger process, clear communication of its benefits, and involving stakeholders in its design and implementation can help garner public support," he said.
He also said Ombudsman Malaysia must be supported in terms of funding and personnel to function effectively.
Transparency International Malaysia president Dr Muhammad Mohan said he hoped the establishment of Ombudsman Malaysia would be complemented with amendments to the Whistleblowers Protection Act.
He also said the body must be apolitical.
"We would like to see those engaged to run the office not being aligned to any political parties and those on their team include civil society representatives"