Azalina: No point in FOI law if it becomes 'Control of Information Bill'

Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), emphasized the need for the proposed Freedom of Information Bill 2026 to strike a balance between openness and safeguards, ensuring that the bill does not impose excessive restrictions that could undermine its purpose. In a press conference following the National Town Hall Public Hearing Session of the Special Select Committee (JKPK) on the Bill, Azalina highlighted the importance of preserving the role and freedom of the media as a cornerstone of the country's democratic practices.

She stressed that the legislation must genuinely provide access to information, with a clear distinction between what can be accessed and what remains protected.

Azalina expressed concern regarding the potential for the bill to be overly restrictive and cautioned against creating a situation where "everything is prohibited from the outset". She underscored the significance of maintaining the freedom of the media, which is a vital component of democracy in the country. The feedback gathered during the National Town Hall Public Hearing Session suggested that while the public generally supports the proposed legislation, they also desire greater transparency, emphasizing the necessity to maintain a delicate balance.

The JKPK session provided a platform for the public, including younger generations, to voice their opinions and helped the committee identify weaknesses in the existing blue bill. Azalina acknowledged these weaknesses and emphasized the importance of revisiting the bill to ensure it addresses these issues effectively. She assured the audience that the select committee members were fully aware of the challenges and understood the need for a balanced approach.

Regarding the next steps, Azalina stated that the JKPK would reconvene after the town hall session to review the feedback and finalize the process. It was noted that the town hall was just the first step, and subsequent select committee meetings would review the issues raised before finalizing the legislation. The government, in its first reading of the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 in July, aimed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance while enhancing public access to official government information in an orderly and law-abiding manner.

The bill was designed to incorporate views raised by civil society organizations and other stakeholders, reflecting a commitment to thorough and inclusive review.