PUTRAJAYA: Several legislative measures designed to improve transparency and governance are expected to be brought before Parliament within the next two years, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner said the proposed bills comprise the Freedom of Information Bill, the Political Financing Bill and amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010.
According to Azam, the Freedom of Information Bill is expected to be finalised by the second quarter of 2025, with plans for it to be tabled in Parliament in July of the same year.
For the Political Financing Bill, he said the policy development is targeted for completion in 2025, with the bill slated for tabling in Parliament in 2026.
He said amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 are expected to be tabled in Parliament in either March or April 2025, subject to the government’s decision.
“As a matter of policy, this has been agreed upon by the government in a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister.
“I can say that this reflects the government’s commitment, as well as our commitment at the MACC, to ensuring good governance in the public service and for the benefit of the people,” he said during a press conference at the MACC headquarters here on Thursday (Feb 6).
In December, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, announced that the Freedom of Information law was expected to be tabled by mid-2025.
Azalina also stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective political funding law in Malaysia, stating that the absence of specific regulations heightened the risk of corruption.
On Feb 5, the government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that whistleblowers receive protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711), provided that reports of misconduct are made through the appropriate legal channels.
In a Facebook statement, Azalina underscored the importance of independent legal institutions, emphasising that enforcement agencies bear the responsibility of addressing reports of wrongdoing.
