Putrajaya: The government is expected to table the Freedom of Information Bill by year-end to enhance transparency and grant the public access to government decisions, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the bill's importance as a step toward building public trust and fostering informed participation in the country's democratic processes. He stated, "We will bring this law to Parliament by the end of the year so the public can hold us to account." The Prime Minister elaborated on the government's commitment to instituting reforms that reinforce strong, fair, and transparent institutions.

Anwar made these remarks during his speech at the International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Additionally, Anwar mentioned ongoing efforts to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) to ensure comprehensive and effective safeguards. The amendments aim to remove previous exclusions and establish an independent Whistleblower Protection Committee.

Speaking to the media after the conference, Azalina confirmed that both bills had been drafted and expressed hope for their tabling in the upcoming parliamentary session. She stated, "We hope by next session (October), this session unable to make it. Everything is on track."

In a previous announcement, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran indicated that the Freedom of Information Bill would empower Malaysians with access to information from any ministry or government agency. However, exclusions would apply to personal data and matters impacting national security, defense, and diplomatic relations.