FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL TO BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT NEXT YEAR – PM

Malaysia plans to table a Freedom of Information Bill in 2025, aiming to legally guarantee citizens' rights to access government-held information. This legislative move seeks to enhance public service transparency and protect open data access, marking a significant step toward institutionalizing information rights within the nation's governance framework. Concurrently, the government is establishing a Special Task Force to improve its Corruption Perception Index ranking. By addressing public sector integrity, the administration intends to bolster its international reputation and attract foreign investment, aligning with broader national governance aspirations. This development is highly relevant to open data advocates, as it signifies a formal commitment to transparency. Establishing legal frameworks for information access creates a foundation for proactive data release, potentially transforming how citizens and developers interact with public sector information for civic innovation and accountability.

Source: bernama.com
Published on 2024-12-18