Malaysia’s Freedom of Information Act to be formulated in stages: Nurul Izzah Anwar

• The Pakatan Harapan government is committed to implementing the Freedom of Information Act, in line with its election manifesto.
• Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar pledged that the law would be formulated in stages and the various parliamentary select committees be put in place before it was finally enacted.
• “My concern is that we have to also make sure that the select committees are implemented in Parliament.”
• “This is because Parliament has to be a strong arm to check the excesses of the executive,” she said.
• There are plans for bipartisan special select committees to be set up to vet and approve Bills before they are tabled in Parliament.
• Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong had said the formulation of the Freedom of Information Act required an in-depth study to ensure it would not contravene any existing laws.
• “So far, Penang and Selangor have enforced the enactment of freedom of information in 2010 and 2011,” he said.

External Link: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/freedom-of-information-act-to-be-formulated-in-stages-nurul-izzah-anwar