KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated Freedom of Information (FOI) law will be tabled in Parliament by the middle of next year, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said that the decision came after the ministry concluded seven comprehensive engagement sessions nationwide that involved 1,500 relevant experts and stakeholders.
This included representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), legal societies, academics, and international experts from Australia, Canada, South Africa, and Indonesia.
“These sessions provided valuable insights into global best practices for an FOI law and reflects our commitment to fostering transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance.
“By engaging diverse stakeholders, the FOI law will align with Malaysia’s needs and aspirations while strengthening our democracy, access to information, empower citizens, and build trust in the government,” she said in her official address during Human Rights Day Forum 2024 here on Tuesday (Dec 10).
Previously in July, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran. announced that the Freedom of Information Bill would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat by the end of this year.
He explained that the Bill would give all Malaysians the ability to access information on any ministries or government agencies.
However, he noted that information on personal data, matters that threaten national security, defence and diplomatic relations would be excluded.
Speaking on other human rights, Azalina also announced a number of new upcoming policy changes that would be implemented by potentially next year.
Among these include the planned appointment of additional Children’s Commissioners, who would work alongside the current Chief Children’s Commissioner to further strengthen advocacy and protection for children.
Recognising the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), she said the government has also established a Special Task Force to study the scope for a dedicated mediation centre to resolve disputes among the rakyat efficiently and affordably.
Speaking on the planned replacement of the existing Legal Aid Act 1971, Azalina revealed that Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan (YBGK) would be consolidated under the Jabatan Bantuan Guaman (JBG), and a new Public Defence Division will be established.
She also revealed that a "zero draft" for the much-awaited National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR) is expected to be ready by January 2025 to help local businesses align with international human rights standards.
