Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) has expressed approval for the government's decision to forward the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 to a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) following its initial reading in the Dewan Rakyat. This move allows for detailed examination of the Bill by members of Parliament from both sides and other relevant stakeholders.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MMC emphasized the importance of thorough scrutiny and deliberation for legislation of such constitutional significance, noting that the Freedom of Information Act will fundamentally influence the relationship between the State and the public for many years. The council highlighted that the Bill should legally enforce the people's right to access information held by public authorities, which is a vital aspect of constitutional democracy and the right to freedom of speech as per Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution.
The council also mentioned that the Select Committee process offers a real opportunity to ensure the Bill promotes maximum disclosure, includes narrowly defined exemptions subject to harm and public interest tests, and aligns with existing secrecy laws and regulations. As an independent statutory body under the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025, the council is prepared to contribute to the Select Committee's efforts.
The MMC urged the Committee to engage deeply with media practitioners, civil society, academia, and the public during its deliberations. It noted that access to information is crucial for quality journalism, allowing journalists to investigate public interest issues, verify official statements, expose corruption, and counter misinformation.
The council stated that independent journalism relies on facts, which in turn depend on access to information. It emphasized that a robust Freedom of Information Act is not only a democratic reform but also a prerequisite for ethical, professional, and accountable media that the Media Council Act 2025 aims to uphold.
Earlier, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), announced that the government plans to table a motion to refer the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 to the PSC, facilitating more comprehensive scrutiny through engagement with MPs and stakeholders.