THE much-awaited Freedom of Information Act is targeted to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat by the end of the year, says M. Kulasegaran.

The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) explained that the Act presents all individuals the opportunity to access information on any ministries or government agencies.

However, information on personal data, matters that could possibly threaten national security, defence and diplomatic relations will be excluded as per international practice, he explained.

“The matter will be presented to the Cabinet for approval and expected to be tabled in Parliament by the end of the year,” he said during Question Time.

He said the government also agreed for the Official Secrets Act to be amended to ensure both Acts function in tandem with each other.

Kulasegaran said the Legal Affairs Division had carried out engagements involving more than 1,100 participants from state governments, local councils, non-government organisations, legal bodies and academics.

Another engagement will be held at the end of August with 500 participants from federal ministries and agencies expected to attend.

“The sessions aim to obtain feedback on the scope, legal parameters, implementation and cost implications for the coming Act,” the deputy minister said.

Kulasegaran was responding to a question by Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras), who asked about the status of the Freedom of Information Act and when it would be tabled.

Tan also asked about negative pushback towards the tabling of this Act.

To this, the deputy minister said there was no pushback at the federal level but state governments, however, did not share Putrajaya’s views.

“Many said they wanted their own Freedom of Information Act so they can control matters related to the state.

“We are still carrying out engagements, with many saying we should push forward with it,” he said.

He added that a non-partisan body, comprising retired judges and experts in the field, would be formed to handle situations where government bodies decline providing the requested information.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/17/kulasegaran-freedom-of-information-act-on-track-for-tabling-by-year-end