Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) commends the Selangor state government for taking the first and important step towards Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation in Malaysia. TI-M and many organisations have been advocating FOI legislation at all levels of government, for transparency the people’s right to information. FOI is a crucial component of a national integrity system for integrity, transparency and accountability.
We urge all politicians to view this Bill positively, and to debate in an open and constructive manner. The Selangor government should then implement and enforce the legislation wisely for the good of the people.
TI-M calls on the Federal government and all other state governments to enact legislation to acknowledge the public’s right to information while protecting truly sensitive information with such protection having to be justified instead of being automatic, and for the Federal government to repeal or at the minimum to revamp the scope of the Official Secrets Act.
Issued by :
Datuk Paul Low
President
Transparency International – Malaysia
