Report: A Rights Plan for Freedom of Information in Malaysia

Abstract

“Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any media of his chouce.” – Article 19 of the ICCPR

In order to make informed choices, citizens must have a democratic Right to Information and Right to Access Documents which the government collects and holds. The right to access documents opens up opportunities for private citizens to scrutinise government decisions and spending that directly or indirectly affects them.

C4 Center has long advocated for a Federal Freedom of Information (FoI) Law, especially under the oppressive conditions of the Official Secrets Act, which, either by design or implementation, was anathema to the spirit of Freedom of Information.

This report is to clearly spell out best practices necessary to prevent such loopholes from denying citizens their right to information.

Read the full report here.