Resolution on " Right To Information Bill "

Resolution adopted at the Forum on 

"Why A Freedom of Information Act?"
Held on 15th May 2010 at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang Penang.

The Forum affirms the right of individuals and communities in the State of Penang to have full access to information held by public bodies and that the disclosure of such information should not be improperly denied on the grounds that it will compromise public security and individual privacy.

The Forum notes with regret that the Right to Information has not always been readily recognised at many levels of government in the State of Penang, including within the Federal Government agencies, the Penang State Government, the Municipal Councils of MPPP and MPSP, State Government controlled agencies and other bodies under the administration of the Penang State Government.  Any denial of information hinders the local communities' participation in the democratic decision-making processes which directly affect these communities.

The Forum asserts that a truly democratic process based on principles of good governance has to be participatory, inclusive, transparent and accountable to ensure the proper functioning of an open society.

The Forum therefore demands that the Penang State Government take the necessary measures to introduce a Right to Information Bill in the State Assembly as soon as possible and to work towards its adoption in the said Assembly as well as its implementation in the practices of the Penang State Government and the various organisations under its administration.

The Forum further demands that the Federal Government of Malaysia take the necessary measures to introduce a Right to Information Bill in the Parliament as soon as possible and to work towards its adoption in the Parliament as well as its implementation in the practices of the Federal Government of Malaysia and the various organisations under its administration.

End 

Posted in: Politics,Report