'More fine-tuning is needed'

Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), stated that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill needs significant enhancements before finalization. She revealed that her ministry is conducting a study examining the practical aspects and implementation processes at various governmental levels. The Parliamentary Special Select Committee remains receptive to feedback from all stakeholders, such as non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and the media.

Speaking at the National Town Hall on the FOI Bill at Parliament, Azalina emphasized that a robust law must transcend mere intentions. It must possess clear objectives and a feasible implementation plan. The bill was initially introduced for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on July 13 and sent to the select committee on July 14.

Extensive feedback on the bill has been received by the ministry, with specific areas requiring improvement noted. Key concerns identified during the review encompass the breadth of public access to information, media freedom, practical implementation procedures, review mechanisms for rejected requests, and adequate safeguards for public agencies.

While the bill requires a simple majority to pass, Azalina stressed that cooperation from diverse parties, including the opposition and stakeholders, is crucial to ensure that this institutional reform is genuinely impactful. The public hearing held yesterday aimed to amplify stakeholder and public involvement to guarantee that crucial framework issues are meticulously addressed before the committee finalizes its recommendations.

The FOI Bill's drafting is part of the government's dedication to bolstering transparency, accountability, and good governance by augmenting public access to official government information in a structured and lawful manner.