THE paper on the Malaysian Ombudsman, who can hear and investigate cases of mal-administration, is ready to be presented to the cabinet, said Liew Vui Keong.

The de facto law minister said they will wait until it is approved at the next cabinet meeting before tabling it in Parliament.

“Once it is done. We will get input from the various stakeholders.

“Hopefully it will be tabled in the December sitting,” Liew said after attending the forum themed “Whistleblowers Protection Law” at a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur today.

Last month, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said the time has come for the Malaysian Ombudsman to be set up, to hear and investigate cases of mal-administration.

He said democratic nations worldwide have accepted the role of such a body and Malaysia needs to get on board.

Liew said that the once the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) bill has been finalised by the Public Account Committee then it will be tabled together.

He believes that it is time Parliament embraces the idea after a session on the functions of an ombudsman, presented by New Zealand Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier.

Citing New Zealand as an example, Ariff said its ombudsman functioned as an investigator and Parliament researcher with the authority to hear matters concerning maladministration.

Boshier said he would be honoured if given the opportunity to boost Malaysia-New Zealand ties in relation to the idea of setting up an ombudsman’s office here.

“I am thrilled that Malaysia is looking to implement an ombudsman. In all cases, its main role is to protect people against rights violations, power abuse and maladministration.” – October 30, 2019.