53Consultation and comment

53 Consultation and comment

If, in the course of an investigation of a disclosed matter, it appears to the Ombudsman that there may be grounds for making a report adverse to a public body, a public officer or a councillor, the Ombudsman must, before making the report, give an opportunity to comment on the matter to –

(a) [Section 53 Amended by No. 15 of 2023, s. 11, Applied:31 Aug 2023] in the case of a public body or public officer (other than a member of Parliament), either the relevant Minister or the chief executive officer of the public body; or

(ab) [Section 53 Amended by No. 15 of 2023, s. 11, Applied:31 Aug 2023] in the case of a public officer who is –

(i) a member of the House of Assembly, the Speaker of the House; and

(ii) a member of the Legislative Council, the President of the Council; or

(b) in the case of a councillor, either the relevant Minister or the mayor of the relevant council.