Freedom of Information Act in the works, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed Freedom of Information Act in Malaysia is being worked on, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic).

“The Legal Affairs Division is in the process of identifying parameters, challenges in implementation and legislation that could clash with the concept of information freedom in order to introduce a comprehensive Act that is suitable in Malaysia,” said Azalina.

The division is under the Prime Minister’s Department.

Azalina also said the government has agreed to amend the Official Secrets Act 1972 (Act 88) to ensure that the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act and Act 88 complement each other.

“The amendment to Act 88 is being made to ensure improvements in public service delivery and that the public has access to authentic information in a more open and transparent manner from the government.

“This will indirectly facilitate Malaysians to be more actively involved in the process of shaping the country’s policies,” the minister said in a parliamentary written reply dated Nov 8.

Azalina was responding to Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong), who asked when the Freedom of Information Bill would be presented in Parliament.

According to Azalina, the proposed Act will be enacted to ensure the disclosure of information for the public’s benefit and to allow every individual the chance to access information related to any ministry, department or agency through submitted requests.

The government’s decision was based on findings from 23 engagement sessions conducted by the Legal Affairs Division in collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, civil society organisations, led by the Centre for Independent Journalism, academics and others, she added.

In September, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance had agreed in principle to the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act.