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He said the bill would be tabled after the Cabinet approves the proposed resolution for the Freedom of Information Act.
Kula also said the legal affairs division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department had conducted engagement sessions nationwide, involving more than 1,100 participants, including representatives from state government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, legal bodies and academia.
“The BHEUU will hold an engagement session in the central zone at the end of August, with 500 participants.
“The purpose of this session is to gather views and feedback on the scope, parameters, legislation, implementation and cost implications involved,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) regarding the status of the Freedom of Information Bill and its expected timeline.
Kula said that the Freedom of Information Act would improve access to information in the public interest, allowing individuals to request information from any ministry, department or government agency.
However, this access would exclude sensitive information such as personal data or matters that could threaten public order and national security.
He added that the legislation includes a proposal to set up a body to address situations where a department or ministry denies access to a document.
Kula said the body would comprise retired judges and experienced individuals to ensure that the government’s initiatives related to the legislation are more accessible and beneficial to the public.
Last September, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that Putrajaya had agreed in principle to enact a Freedom of Information Act.
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