KUALA LUMPUR: The government is drafting a freedom of information law that is expected to be tabled by mid-next year, said Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said the law would align with Malaysia's needs and aspirations.
She said the government held seven engagement sessions nationwide with 1,500 participants, including representatives from agencies, civil society, non-governmental organisations, legal societies, academics and experts from Australia, Canada, South Africa and Indonesia.
"These sessions provided valuable insights into global best practices for the freedom of information law.
"The legislation aims to strengthen democracy, improve access to information, empower citizens and build trust in government," she said in her speech during the 2024 Human Rights Day forum today.
Azalina said the right to access information is a fundamental human right, as provided by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, highlighting the importance of access to information in empowering citizens and good governance.
In September last year, the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance agreed in principle to the enactment of a Freedom of Information Act to establish parameters and guidelines to give the public access to information from public bodies and the government.
In line with the decision to enact the act, Azalina had said the Official Secrets Act 1972 would be amended to complement the freedom of information law.
She said this would improve public service delivery and encourage the people's involvement in national policy.
She said the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister's Department was identifying parameters and implementation challenges to enact a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act.