Better for OSA to be replaced with Freedom of Information Act, says Bangi MP

KUALA LUMPUR: It is better to repeal the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and replace it with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), says Syahredzan Johan.

The Bangi MP said that the Federal Constitution provides freedom of expression, and civil society had long proposed the FOIA.

He said if the OSA is not rescinded, it would render the FOIA "deficient" and "incomplete" while debating the 2024 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat today (Oct 25).

On Sept 14, The Cabinet Special Committee Meeting on National Governance agreed in principle to draft the FOIA while also amending the OSA 1972.

The Prime Minister's Office said the committee agreed that there had to be clear parameters and guidelines to provide public access to information from public and government bodies while drafting the said Act.

However, Syahredzan said he is not suggesting that all information should be made accessible if the FOIA is enacted.

"We must admit some information should be protected and cannot be made accessible to the public like those related to national security.

"On such matters, there is a need for confidentiality of information.

"But as a starting point, all information is free to access unless it is specifically categorised that it should be made accessible to the public," he explained.

"Repeal the OSA to empower the people with information fully.

"Knowledge and information are power," he added.