The CCAC has released the results of an inquiry into the land plot at Rua dos Pescadores where buildings no. 15 and 17 (commonly known as the “Leather Factory”) were located. In response to the fact that at that time the Administration accepted the maintaining of the status of the building already constructed on the grounds that it should not be subject to the declaration of invalidation arising from the corruption case of the former Secretary for Transport and Public Works Ao Man Long and the fact that the land use period was approved to be extended in and after 2018, the CCAC believes that they, to a certain extent, met the principle of useful and effective use of land and there were no apparent administrative illegalities or irregularities. Nevertheless, in the CCAC’s opinion, as the Administration did not, when calculating the premium for the aforesaid land plot, deduct the amount of the premium according to the amount already paid for the fulfillment of the original concession contract but according to a hypothetical amount of the premium payable by the current concessionaire if it had completed the architectural project of the previous concessionaire, such practice lacked consideration of logical reasonableness and fairness of interest distribution. Therefore, public works departments are suggested to seriously review the relevant practice and step up efforts to consolidate the premium regime in force so that the actual market value of the land of Macao may be reflected on the premiums and the precious land resources of the Macao SAR may be fully protected.

(https://www.ccac.org.mo/en/news_details/article/lhiz5nrt.html)

Sindh Ombudsman Ajaz Ali Khan has got the Government school building vacated from tenants after taking Suo Moto action on a report titled “Ebrahim Ali Bhai, Boys Government Secondary School building rented out to tenants” published on 12.01.2023 in the daily “The Express Tribune”. The school was visited by the Consultant to Provincial Ombudsman Sindh on 24.01.2023 and it was observed that the construction of the school was completed in 2016 but the Education Department has so far failed to take over the school building despite the lapse of six years. As a result, children were being deprived of such a huge school facility with an area of 17.710 sft. Because the contractor had illegally occupied the building for his private business and had even allowed his private watchman to live with their families in the halls of the school meant for labs. He said he would vacate the school building when his liabilities will be paid.

2. During the proceedings, the Director School Education (ES&HS) and the Education Works Superintending Engineer were directed to clarify the reasons for not taking over the building. As a result the Director on 23.02.2023 submitted a report indicating that the school building has been vacated from illegal persons who were living there and now the school is functional, all the class rooms are opened, furniture has been provided and teachers engaged / busy imparting education in 06 classes while legal action has been taken against the contractor by lodging FIR at PS Gulberg Town. The school is now handed over to the Principal / Head Master.
3. The Honorable Ombudsman directed the School Education & Literacy Department Sindh (SE & LD) on 7-4-23 to conduct an enquiry as to why the school was not take over from the contractor in 2016 and with whose permission an additional amount of Rs.18.481 million over above the approved revised cost was given to contractor. He also directed the (SE&LD) to fully operationalize the Secondary School as well as adjacent Primary School which also suffered due occupation of 03 rooms in the premises by Secondary School and submit report within 60 days.

ACRC Vice-chairperson Chung Seung-yun and National Police Chief Yoon Hee-keun discussed measures to improve the national integrity, including mutual cooperation in investigation of corruption crimes and joint response to such major corruption crimes and public interest infringement as those involving drugs, etc.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Jeon Hyun-hui) and the National Police Agency (NPA, Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun) discussed measures to reinforce inter-agency cooperation in creating corruption-free society, such as swift handling and thorough investigation of cases of corruption and public interest infringement involving drugs, etc.

The meeting between the ACRC Vice-chairperson Chung Seung-yun who was newly appointed to the post last March and the National Police Chief Yoon Hee-keun was convened with an aim to establish more cooperative interagency relationship between the two and expand their joint anti-corruption responses for prevention of corruption and improvement in the national integrity.

In the meeting, the ACRC Vice-chairperson and the National Police Chief discussed measures to expedite processing of cases of corruption and public interest infringement related to drugs, to boost cooperation in the course of inspection and investigation of corruption crimes, and to improve the national integrity.

In addition, Chung requested the NPA increase its support for the ACRC by providing more professional investigation forces to process cases of corruption and public interest infringement.

Furthermore, he called for the NPA to provide stronger protection of whistleblowers and his/her collaborators, etc. and to comply with the conflict of interest prevention rules, including allowing a person who has personal interests related to duties to recuse himself/herself in the course of police investigation.

Chung also visited the National Office of Investigation (NOI) on the same day to have a meeting with the recently-appointed head of the NOI Woo Jong-soo, calling for thorough investigation into crimes of corruption and public interest violations.

 They also agreed to exert their utmost efforts to prevent and eradicate corruption through closer cooperation between the two national anti-corruption agencies that have revamped lineups.

The ACRC Vice-chairperson Chung Seung-yun said, “In society where corruption is prevalent, the safety and peaceful life of the general public cannot be secured. As corruption prevention and eradication requires the government-wide cooperation, the ACRC will strive to create corruption-free society by further boosting interagency collaboration with the NPA.”

The Ombudsman, Ms Winnie Chiu, announced the launch of a direct investigation to examine the driving test arrangements of the Transport Department (“TD”).

TD handles matters relating to the arrangements for driving test appointments, driving tests and assessments, as well as driving test appeals pursuant to the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Ordinance and Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations.  Recent years saw a growing public demand for driving tests and an ever-increasing waiting time for candidates, with the current waiting time for a driving test ranging from seven to more than ten months on average (Note 1).  Candidates who failed a road test and applied for retaking the test would usually be allotted a test date beyond the validity period of their learner’s driving licences (12 months).  It means that they would have to apply for their learner’s driving licences again for undergoing driving training before the next road test, resulting in additional cost and inconvenience. Given the rather low passing rates in road tests (Note 2), a lot of candidates have been affected.

On the other hand, TD does not permit video recording by candidates during driving tests.  Some members of the public have complained to the Office of The Ombudsman and questioned TD’s decision of and justification for prohibiting video recording of driving tests with the dashboard cameras in test vehicles.  The Office also notices a rising trend in the number of appeal cases relating to driving tests, and that the Transport Tribunal, in the course of handling appeals, has to consider any case-related evidence it has received.

Between January 2022 and March 2023, the Office has received 40 complaints related to driving tests, involving such issues as candidates’ discontent about the waiting time for driving tests, TD’s early test appointment booking system, the scheduling of driving tests, as well as appeals and arrangements for video recording of driving tests.

Ms Chiu said, “In recent years, candidates have to wait longer and longer for taking driving tests.  This has led to a slew of complaints.  TD needs to review its current workflow of driving test arrangements and consider drawing up improvement measures.  In addition, whether TD can make use of technology for keeping objective records of driving tests so as to facilitate effective handling of related complaints and appeal cases is an issue worth studying. In this light, we decided to launch a direct investigation to probe TD’s arrangements for driving tests, including administrative arrangements with respect to applications for driving tests and tests scheduling, recording of driving tests and the appeal handling mechanism. Recommendations would be made where due.”

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic.  Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by 18 June 2023:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

Fax:         2882 8149

Email:     complaints@ombudsman.hk

Note 1: TD’s data show that in 2010, 95% of road tests were conducted within 82 days upon application for motor cycle, private car and light goods vehicle driving licence. However, as at May 7, 2023, the average waiting time for taking a road test for non-commercial vehicles (including private cars, light goods vehicles, motor cycles and motor tricycles) ranged from 223 to 317 days.

Note 2: In 2020, the passing rates in driving tests for private cars and light goods vehicles (combined) were 31% and 25% respectively; in 2021, 30% and 24% respectively.

The Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO) organized a highly informative and engaging training session for Members together with Members from Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA). The session was held at the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat in Islamabad. It aimed to enhance the professional skills and expertise of Ombudsmen from across the country and abroad. The event was a resounding success, with participants benefiting from the valuable insights shared by renowned civil servant and Advisor (Customs) at FTO, Mr. Arslan Subuctageen who holds extensive experience in customs and tax matters

Under the esteemed leadership of Hon’ble Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, the president of FPO, the training session brought together participants from 40 Ombudsman institutions from various regions, both nationally and internationally including representation from Türkiye, Indonesia, Thailand and Macao. These representatives, distinguished for their commitment to public service and upholding justice, eagerly attended the event to expand their knowledge and sharpen their skills.

The training session was skillfully moderated by FPO’s General Secretary Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah. He diligently steered the proceedings, ensuring the smooth flow of information and engaging interactions among the participants.

Throughout the training session, Mr. Arslan Subuctageen, a highly accomplished trainer and expert in Customs related tax and grievances redressing, delivered comprehensive presentations on a range of pertinent topics. His sessions covered various aspects of ombudsman services, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, effective communication strategies, and best practices in handling complaints and grievances. Participants greatly appreciated Mr. Subuctageen’s deep knowledge and engaging teaching style, which provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by ombudsmen in their day-to-day responsibilities. He also shared some glimpses of experience of his service in Pakistan Customs to inculcate participants about the mechanism to redress grievances and ensure good governance in Tax administration.

At the conclusion of the training session, certificates of participation were distributed among all the attendees, acknowledging their active engagement and commitment to professional development. The certificates serve as a testament to the dedication of the Ombudsmen in their pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement in serving the people of Pakistan.

The successful training session organized by FPO not only promoted knowledge sharing but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie among the participants. The forum provided an invaluable platform for Ombudsmen to network, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will further strengthen the ombudsman community in Pakistan.

The Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO) remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in public administration. By conducting such training sessions, FPO continues to empower Ombudsmen with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address citizens’ concerns and ensure justice for all.

 Wafaqi Mohtasib Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has taken cognizance of the nonpayment of post-retirement benefits to the retired teachers of the educational institutions operating under the Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad. The plight of retired teachers was highlighted in a web report titled, ‘Forgotten Heroes; Islamabad’s Retired Teachers Await Their Pending Dues’ which appeared on 15th May, 2023. It was learnt that a large number of teachers who retired during the last two years remained deprived of their lawful post retirement entitlements due to acute shortage of funds. The pending amount totaled around Rupees 2.6 Billion. Taking notice of this huge financial pendency and dire condition of the affectees, Wafaqi Mohtasib has directed the Finance Division to allocate necessary funds for the purpose in the upcoming budget. He has also instructed the Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad to disburse the same to the retired teachers without undue delay.

On 12 April 2023, Ms. Anahit Manasyan was elected as the new Human Rights Defender of Armenia by the RA National Assembly for a term of six years. She started performing her duties on 13 April 2023, in accordance with the RA Constitution and the Constitutional Law on the Human Rights Defender.

Ms. Manasyan, a former deputy Prosecutor General, holds a PhD in Law and has served as expert in the staff of the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia and as assistant to the President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, among other things. She has been an expert within the frames of different projects of various regional and international organizations (OSCE, Council of Europe, UN, etc.), participating in the development of opinions, research, manuals on a number of issues, delivered lectures in the frame of several seminars and various foreign scientific and educational institutions (including in Georgia, Hungary and Ukraine).

The CCAC met with the leadership of Luso-Chinese Technical and Vocational School and Saint Joseph Diocesan College and Macao New Chinese Youth Association respectively to exchange information of integrity education and co-organise various activities with them. In addition, the CCAC also co-organised the activity “Listen to the Stories and Learn Integrity” with the parent teacher associations of some schools in order to promote the book William’s Story Time: Stories about Integrity for Children published by the CCAC.

Within the framework of the autism awareness month-long campaign, the Ombudsman’s Western Regional Center held a legal awareness event on “Protection and Promotion of the Rights of People with Autism” with the participation of children with autism, who benefit from the services of the Ganja Community-based Rehabilitation Center of the United Aid for Azerbaijan (UAFA) and their parents.

In his speech, the head of the Western Regional Center, Sabuhi Abbasov gave information about the Autism Awareness Campaign, which is being run throughout April, by the Ombudsman Institution and its Regional Centers to support people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Then he noted that the Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, suggested adopting a legal-normative act and state program related to people with ASD. Also, it was said that the Ombudsman has always paid attention to the issues of taking measures for raising awareness among parents of children in this category, who have limited health capacities, increasing the capacity of specialists working with children, and eliminating other socio-psychological problems existing in the society.

During the event, which continued with interactive discussions, questions of the participants were answered; the procedures for application to the Ombudsman were explained, and the participants were given information about the round clock operating the 916 “Call Center”.

ACRC provides training in the prevention of violations against the duty of confidentiality to public institutions by regions

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Jeon Hyun-Heui) provides training in the prevention of violations of the duty of confidentiality of corruption and public interest whistleblowers for central administrative agencies, local governments, and public service-related organizations by regions from March to July for 11 sessions.

Any Korean citizen could file a report with the ACRC, investigation agencies, and supervisory agencies upon the notice of corrupt acts or behaviors violating public interests according to the Act on the Prevention of Corruption and the Establishment and Management of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC Act) and the public interest whistleblower Protection Act.

Filing a civil complaint has recently become more convenient through various channels, such as
e-People, communication boards of public institutions, and the Safety Report application.

Accordingly, there have been some issues where the confidentiality of whistleblowers is not ensured in the reports^* filed as civil complaints at a time of increasing reports on corruption and violation of public interests in the form of civil complaints. Therefore, special attention is required in the course of handling civil complaints in order to prevent the leak of personal information of corruption and public whistleblowers.

* (Case) Reporting with e-People on medical practices without a license (violation of the   Medical Service Act)

ACRC provides training for officials in charge of the audit or civil complaints handling at central government agencies, local governments, and public service-related organizations by regions to ensure the performance of the duty of confidentiality of corruption and public interests whistleblowers in the course of receiving and processing the “reports in the form of civil complaints.”

The targets of the training expanded to include not only officials in charge of handling the corruption and public interests reporting but also persons in charge of audit and civil complaints handling as the reports are filed in the form of civil complaints.

ACRC resumed training of the prevention of violation of the duty of confidentiality by regions after three years of a halt of in-person training due to COVID-19. ACRC selected 6 regions based on demand survey on training and finalized the schedule^* of 11 sessions of training. The latest training was scheduled on March 31 and ACRC visited regions starting from Sejong and Chungcheong region.

* Sejong and Chungcheong (March 31), Seoul and Gyeonggi (April 12 and 17), Gyeongsang (April 20-21), Jeju (May 1-2), Jeolla (May 25-26, July 7), and Gangwon (June 16)

Professional instructors for integrity education and investigators with considerable experience in cases about protecting corruption and public interests whistleblowers from ACRC participated as instructors at the recent training. The training included major cases of the leak of the identity of corruption and public interests whistleblowers in the course of handling corruption and public interests reporting for more practical education, based on which the ways to prevent the leak of personal identity of whistleblowers and response measures against attempts to identify corruption and public interest whistleblowers were shared.

Director General Kim Ki-Sun for the Investigation and Protection Bureau of ACRC said, “The protection of corruption and public interest whistleblowers begins with fully protecting the confidentiality of the identity of reporters. We will ensure complete prevention of leaks of the identity of reporters taking place in the field through the regional training.”