THE Official Secrets Act 1972 (Act 88 or the OSA) will be amended to ensure that it complements the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) which is in the process of being introduced, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the Legal Affairs Division of the department was in the process of identifying parameters, challenges in implementation, and legislation that could clash with the concept of information freedom.
“The amendment of Act 88 is being made to ensure improvements in public service delivery and to ensure that the public has access to authentic information in a more open and transparent manner from the government.
“This will indirectly facilitate Malaysians to be more actively involved in the process of shaping the country’s policies,” said Azalina in a parliamentary written reply dated Nov 8.
She was responding to Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong), who had asked when the Bill would be presented in Parliament.
According to Azalina, the FOIA would be enacted to ensure the disclosure of information for public benefit and to allow every individual the chance to access information related to any ministry, department or agency through submitted requests.
She also said the government’s decision was based on findings from 23 engagement sessions conducted by the Legal Affairs Division in collaboration with government agencies, NGOs and civil society organisations, led by the Centre for Independent Journalism, academics and others.
In September, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance had agreed in principle to the enactment of the FOIA.
