Right to information to be addressed in Freedom of Information Bill 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The right to information will be a key focus of the upcoming Freedom of Information Bill 2026, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Speaking at the National Town Hall Session, Azalina emphasized that the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) members recognized the importance of clearly reflecting this core principle in the bill.

The PSSC will work alongside the Attorney-General's Chambers, particularly examining constitutional and legal aspects, to ensure appropriate space is given for thorough study before any decision on constitutional amendments is made. The committee also stressed the need to guarantee broad public access to information held by public authorities, in line with transparency and accountability principles.

Any refusal to disclose information must have clear, justifiable grounds, said Azalina. The PSSC will further investigate an appropriate review mechanism for rejected applications, including whether it should be through an internal appeal process or under the proposed Ombudsman Malaysia. This is essential to ensure effective review mechanisms and remedies when access to information is provided under the law.

All technical, structural, and drafting matters discussed today will be examined and refined by the PSSC prior to any final stance. The government remains committed to an inclusive, thorough, and responsible process to create a robust, balanced, and effective freedom of information framework, enhancing openness, transparency, and accountability in national administration.

The public hearing session today is merely a part of the parliamentary review process, not the final step. The government aims to create a law that clearly outlines rights, exemptions, public authority responsibilities, and the review and remedy mechanisms available to the public, rather than simply stating Malaysia has a freedom of information law.