KOTA KINABALU: Warisan plans to create an “ombudsman” to listen to and resolve public grievances about the country’s performance, particularly concerning state government departments or agencies, once it forms the government.
Currently, Warisan has already set up a shadow ombudsman, which is the party’s Secretary-General, Datuk Loretto Padua.
According to the spokesperson for Warisan’s ombudsman team, Datuk Honorsius Bosuin, the ombudsman has been conducting complaint hearings in a town hall meeting style in various locations in Sabah over the past few months.
“The ombudsman, along with a team of assistants, has already started hearings in places like Kg Lumadan in July 2025, Kg Pononoburan in Tambunan, Liawan in Sindumin, and Kg Bandau in Membakut,” he explained to Borneo Herald.
Honorsius further stated that the outreach program of the ombudsman has been approved by Warisan’s president, Datuk Shafie Apdal, as a way for the future Sabah government to listen to and resolve any public complaints against government agencies and even private entities. An “ombudsman” is an individual appointed by either the government or the legislative assembly, and typically, they and their office staff are paid by the government.
The ombudsman can focus on a specific area, such as housing, or can have a broader scope depending on the conditions of the ombudsman’s role.
However, the ombudsman is a neutral party and does not take sides with the government, private sector, or the complainant. The ombudsman receives complaints and strives to find fair and optimal solutions for all stakeholders involved in any complaint or conflict that arises.
Source – Borneo Herald
