Thursday July 15, 2010
By EDWARD R. HENRY, The STAR
SHAH ALAM: The Pakatan Rakyat Government in Selangor created history yesterday by tabling its Freedom of Information Bill 2010 at the State Legislature to strengthen the people’s right to access to information.
As expected, the Pakatan assemblymen supported the Bill while Barisan Nasional assemblymen opposed it during the debate after the Second Reading of the Bill.
Earlier, State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Consumerism and the Environment Elizabeth Wong, who had tabled the FOI Bill for the First and Second Readings, said the new law when implemented would promote transparency and accountability in the state government.
“We encourage all Selangorians to take full advantage of their right to access information and to make government open and accountable. It is only through open government as well as a well-informed and empowered citizenry that democracy can be broadened and deepened in Selangor.”
She said the state government was tabling the Bill to “enhance disclosure of information in the public interest, to provide every individual with a window to access information made at local councils and departments at the state level”.
The Bill provides for one information officer for each state government department to guide the public in accessing the requested documents. The officer has to respond within 30 days, or seven days in the case of life-threatening situations.
Ismail Sani (BN-Dusun Tua) objected to the Bill, claiming it was not relevant and infringed on the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 passed by Parliament.
“Selangor cannot table such a Bill, as certain information involves departments under the state that needs to obtain clearance from Parliament before it is declassified,” he said.
Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang) echoed the same sentiments, and warned that it could bring disaster to the state as political parties could use it for malicious reasons.
“All matters must be weighed carefully. We should not just come up with an enactment to project a transparent and accountable government, but which in reality would bring trouble,” he said.
The debate on the Bill continues today.
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