The Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill 2026, which was tabled for the first reading, will be referred to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) after taking into account stakeholders’ views on several aspects of the proposed legislation.
In a statement after tabling the Bill yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the government has taken note of the views of civil society organisations 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,” she said.
“Accordingly, the government will move a motion to refer the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 to a PSSC 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 (today),” she said, adding the move will allow every clause of the Bill to be examined more comprehensively by MPs from both sides as well as relevant stakeholders.
Azalina added that this is in line with the government’s commitment to implement major and complex institutional reforms.
This, she said, is not only 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,” she said.
“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.”
The proposed law had been one of the election pledges of Pakatan Harapan in 2018.
Following this, Penang and Selangor have already enacted their respective state enactments on freedom of information.
