KUALA LUMPUR: The Freedom of Information Bill 2026, which was tabled for the first reading on Monday (July 13), will be referred to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) after taking into account stakeholders' views on several aspects of the proposed legislation.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said in a statement that the government has taken note of the views expressed by civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders.
“These views reflect a shared commitment to ensuring that the proposed legislation fully achieves its reform objectives and is aligned with best practices.
“Accordingly, the government will move a motion to refer the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee, to be established under Standing Order 81(1) of the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat. The motion is expected to be tabled on Tuesday (July 14),” she added.
She said the move will allow every clause of the Bill to be examined more comprehensively by MPs from both sides as well as the relevant stakeholders.
She added that this is in line with the government's commitment to implement major and complex institutional reforms. This she said can only be achieved by enacting laws, but also by establishing a comprehensive, balanced and trusted legal framework.
“Effective reform is reform that endures, strengthens public confidence, and continues to serve future generations for the benefit of the people and the nation.
“The Bill marks a significant step towards strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance, while enhancing public access to official government information in an orderly manner and within a clear legal framework,” she said.
Earlier, Azalina had tabled the Bill for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
The proposed law had been one of the election pledges of Pakatan Harapan in 2018.
Penang and Selangor have already enacted their own state enactments on freedom of information.
