Freedom Of Information Act Malaysia

Two malaysian states selangor and penang have enacted their own versions of the freedom of information act since 2011.

Freedom of information act malaysia. Government information to be sent to the legislative assembly for passage. Conclusion malaysia has evaded the protection of the right to information effectively to this day. On sept 21 pakistan approved its freedom of information ordinance while india followed on dec 16 with a federal level freedom of information law. The emergence of freedom of information legislation was a response to increasing dissatisfaction with the secrecy surrounding government policy development and decision making.

They establish a right to know legal process by which requests may be made for government held information to be. Freedom of information state of selangor enactment 2011 was formulated with its objective to enhance the externalization of information for public interest and to provide opportunities for every individual to access information provided by the departments of the state government through an application submitted to the relevant departments. Malaysia to have a freedom of information act to replace osa malaysia s prime minister mahathir mohamad speaks during a press conference in putrajaya on may 9 2019. But the right to information is also important for accountability and to root out corruption.

We have some good news. In malaysia freedom of information as a legal provision is only offered in two states. There is no constitutional guarantee and article 10 which talks about freedom of speech is interpreted very narrowly and does not consider freedom of information as a fundamental human right. The dap backbencher had asked whether the federal government planned to enact new laws such as the freedom of information act to put to rest any fears of.

Photo by mohd rasfan afp. International bodies like the commonwealth council of europe and organisation of. The official secrets act 1972 has the capacity to obstruct the free flow of information. Malaysia has no freedom of information legislation what it has is a restrictive regime under the official secrets act.

One day it might also influence the federal government to enact malaysia s own freedom of information act which in turn will actively uphold this vital right in the nation as a whole.