Freedom of Information Act must factor ‘national harmony’

Malaysia should adopt core freedom of information principles from international models while tailoring them to local sensitivities, specifically limiting access to citizens. This approach balances transparency with national harmony, ensuring the law respects the country’s political structure and avoids the pitfalls of unrestricted foreign models. The ultimate goal is to empower citizens and improve Malaysia’s global standing through tailored institutional reforms. However, significant legal and cultural barriers remain. The Official Secrets Act continues to restrict access, undermining state-level initiatives and hindering broader transparency efforts. Effective implementation requires not just legislation, but the reform of secrecy laws and the establishment of independent oversight bodies. Without addressing these foundational obstacles, the potential for genuine openness remains limited. This article is relevant to open data because it highlights the critical intersection between legal frameworks and data accessibility. It underscores that technical open data initiatives cannot succeed without supportive legislation and a shift in institutional culture. Understanding these legal and cultural dynamics is essential for advocates seeking to promote data transparency and accountability in emerging democratic contexts.

Source: thestar.com.my
Published on 2025-03-31

Freedom of Information Act must factor ‘national harmony’

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