Latest news with #ChongChiengJen
Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Ombudsman denies DAP allegations of delays, lack of transparency
File photo of Wisma Masja II, where the Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman is located. – Photo from Wikimedia Commons KUCHING (July 19): The Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman (OSO) has refuted allegations by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen that the state government delayed and lacked transparency in tabling a report from the Ombudsman unit. In a statement today, the OSO described Chong's claims, which were reported by Free Malaysia Today on July 16, as 'factually incorrect and legally misconceived'. 'The OSO views the allegation that no hearing was done as factually incorrect and legally misconceived,' said the office. In the report, Chong had also stated that the process of the Sarawak Ombudsman presenting its first report in the State Legislative Assembly had been very slow and that there had been 'no hearings'. In response, the OSO clarified that in carrying out its duties, the Ombudsman is empowered to conduct investigations, make preliminary inquiries, recommend mediation, and produce reports — but not to hold adjudicative hearings. They explained that the role of the Ombudsman is defined under Section 12 of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023 (SOO 2023). 'To receive, investigate, and resolve complaints relating to maladministration by Sarawak state public service agencies; promote good governance and accountability; recommend remedial or corrective measures based on findings; and monitor the implementation of such recommendations,' OSO stated. In further compliance with Section 42 of the SOO 2023, the OSO said it had submitted an Interim Report to the Minister responsible for the Ombudsman portfolio, covering the operational period from Aug 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024. 'This report is intended for tabling in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly as required by law,' the statement said. They added that a full Annual Report for 2025 will be compiled and submitted in due course to the State Legislature in accordance with the statutory framework. The OSO also reminded members of the public that complaints of maladministration against any Sarawak state public service agency may be formally lodged in writing with the Chief Ombudsman at the following address: Office of the Sarawak Ombudsman, Level 17, Wisma Masja II, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak. 'All bona fide complaints that fall within the jurisdiction, powers and functions of the Sarawak Ombudsman will be investigated in accordance with the procedures and safeguards established under the SOO 2023, including the protection of complainants and the confidentiality of proceedings,' they explained. Chong Chieng Jen Sarawak ombudsman transparency
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol. 3 rolls into CityOne Megamall this Sunday
File photo of last year's Apoclaypse Auto Show at CityOne basement car park. KUCHING (July 18): Car enthusiasts and the general public are invited to the highly anticipated Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol. 3, happening this Sunday (July 20) from 9am to 10pm at the CityOne Megamall basement car park here. Organised by the Apoclaypse Car Club of Kuching, the annual event is free and open to all. 'This is our annual signature event, and we are excited to welcome all car lovers and members of the public to join us for a full day of automotive excitement and to experience the vibrant car modification culture in Kuching,' said the club in a statement. To accommodate setup, vehicle loading will take place on July 19 from 10pm to 12am. All participants are urged to arrive punctually and follow directions from event staff. The show promises a diverse showcase of modified vehicles from across the region, drawing attention from car enthusiasts near and far. Highlights include a lucky draw with prizes such as car accessories and audio systems. Tickets will be sold at RM10 each at the organiser's booth. Limited edition event stickers will also be available at RM5 each. In the spirit of giving back, the club announced that 30 per cent of proceeds from ticket and sticker sales will be donated to charity. 'The donation is part of our initiative to give back to the community. Photos and updates will be posted on our official Facebook page to ensure transparency and public trust,' the club said. The event is supported by various sponsors, including Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, East Ocean Auto Trading Sdn Bhd, Wrapperz Graphic Design, Carlife Automobile Accessories, Deelong Car Accessories, STY Exhaust, Oscar Tinted & Accessories, Sky World Advertising & Design, 998 Auto Parts, and Lemon House. Apoclaypse Auto Show Vol. 3 cityone megamall Kuching lead
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Chong to press federal ministers over Bintulu Port delay, airport upgrade, tax refunds in Parliament
Chong (standing) speaks at the previous sitting of the Dewan Rakyat. KUCHING (July 16): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen will be seeking clarification from the Transport Minister on the delay in the Sarawak government's takeover of the Bintulu Port Authority in the upcoming Dewan Rakyat session. The delay and steps being taken to expedite the process are among the 10 questions Chong submitted for the question and answer session in Parliament. Among the other questions is for the Transport Minister whether the government plans to upgrade and expand the Kuching International Airport under the 13th Malaysia Plan. 'If so, what budget has been allocated and when the project will begin. 'Another question is to request for the Finance Minister to give a detailed explanation on the total amount owed by the government to taxpayers in overdue tax refunds, the reasons for the delays and the timeframe for repayment,' he said in a statement. Chong, who is Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, will also seek a reply from the Prime Minister on whether Malaysia would consider adopting Singapore's e-invoicing model. Under that system, e-invoicing is mandatory only for business-to-government (B2G) transactions, while business-to-business (B2B) transactions are encouraged but not compulsory – a policy that could reduce the cost burden on small businesses in Malaysia. Medical insurance premium hikes were another concern to be raised by Chong, who will query the Finance Minister on what actions the government has taken to address the sharp increase in medical insurance premiums, and the effectiveness of those actions. He will also ask the Home Minister to explain the Royal Malaysia Police's actions in curbing the rapid spread of illegal online gambling outlets operating behind the façade of convenience stores and coffee shops, and whether these measures have proven effective. Bintulu Port Chong Chieng Jen parliament
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak govt dragging its feet on Ombudsman unit, says DAP
DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen says Sarawakians have waited for the progress on the Ombudsman check-and-balance mechanism. KUCHING : Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen has accused the state government of dragging its feet through prolonged delays and a lack of transparency in presenting a report from the Ombudsman unit. Chong said the delay created the impression of a lack of political will and a tendency to 'pay lip service' to the principle of integrity and accountability in state administration. '(Is any) real work being done?' he said in an interview with FMT. He said transparency was crucial as the chairman of the state's Public Accounts Committee was from the ruling party whereas in Parliament, the chairman was from the opposition. Chong, who is Stampin MP, said Sarawakians have waited for news about progress on the Ombudsman mechanism, which was supposed to serve as a check and balance on government administration. In Nov 2023, Sarawak became the first state in Malaysia to have ombudsman law, with the setting up of an ombudsman unit, after the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill 2023 was passed at the State Legislative Assembly. A year later, Sarawak's deputy integrity and ombudsman minister Juanda Jaya said the Ombudsman unit is only expected to present its first report in the state assembly in 2025. Juanda was further reported as saying that the Ombudsman Ordinance came into effect in April and the Sarawak chief Ombudsman was appointed in June. But Chong, who is also the Padungan state assemblyman, said the process has been very slow and there have been no hearings. Chong said the Ombudsman unit has crucial powers to investigate complaints and oversee the conduct of public officials. He criticised the government for dragging its feet. The delay was unacceptable, as the state government has ample financial resources, Chong said. 'Sarawak is the richest state in terms of GDP, with RM14 billion in revenue. Yet we see slow action on this front.' Chong said the state government seemed to be giving the appearance of promoting transparency and accountability. 'There is no genuine oversight of the state administration,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Abang Jo's govt has own checks and balances, says Sarawak minister
Only two assemblymen sit in the Sarawak state assembly's opposition bench—DAP's Chong Chieng Jen (Pandungan) and Violent Yong (Pending). (Bernama pic) KUCHING : A Sarawak minister has assured that Abang Johari Openg's state administration maintains adequate checks and balances despite concerns about the lack of a strong opposition in the state assembly. State tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak government is taking active steps to promote transparency and accountability, despite ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak holding a super majority in the state assembly. 'Checks and balances are at the core (of the administration),' he told FMT in an interview. Only two of 82 state assemblymen sit as opposition members in the state assembly—Chong Chieng Jen (Pandungan) and Violent Yong (Pending), both of DAP. Karim, also the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's information chief, said Sarawak has various mechanisms to monitor government integrity, including an ombudsman unit, reputed to be the only unit in the country. He, however, refused to be drawn into a discussion about allegations of widespread cronyism and abuse of power dating back to the era of former Sarawak chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud. 'Taib's era is over,' he said in reply. He said those involved in any wrongdoing should be held accountable, but added that it was up to enforcement agencies to take action. Better quality assemblymen Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Karim said the state assembly has evolved in terms of quality and maturity, with backbenchers playing a vital role in keeping the government in check. He said that in the past those who stood in elections were 'not really academically qualified', but a majority of the state's current assemblymen comprised doctors, lawyers and graduates in other fields. Karim, a lawyer, said today's elected representatives were more inclined to challenge authority, breaking from past norms of unquestioning loyalty. 'Through the years, I have observed, that they are becoming more vocal. You don't see (them) supporting (a policy) blindly,' the Asajaya assemblyman, first elected in 2001, said. Karim added that although there were only two opposition members in the 82-seat assembly, the backbenchers understood their role and would speak up when necessary. 'It might be different, but these backbenchers know when they need to criticise.' From logging to green development Karim said the state has turned its focus to sustainable development and clean energy, moving away from environmentally harmful practices like logging. 'I believe (we're heading) in the right direction. We have moved away from not very good industries like logging. Now, we are protective of our forest. The state government is moving into clean energy and away from fossil (fuels).' He cited the Rainforest World Music Festival, which has run for over two decades, as an example of eco-conscious initiatives in the state, as well as the decision to ban the sale of turtle eggs in markets. Karim also said Sarawak has made significant strides in sanitation and waste disposal since the 1970s. He said the era of 'flying toilets'—which saw people use plastic bags to collect and discard excreta into the river—is now over, thanks to the installation of proper sanitation facilities. 'That means there has been success in changing the mindset of people.' On urban planning, he said Kuching was expanding horizontally rather than through high-rise development, pointing to the fact that there are no high-rise buildings in the capital.
