Free Public Forum: Why a Freedom Of Information Act?

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) and Sembang-sembang Forum cordially invite the public to attend a public forum on “Why a Freedom Of Information (FOI) Act?” (in English) on

Last year in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, the Selangor State Government launched Selangor Kini and Selangor TV to keep people updated on the progress of Selangor State Government. The Selangor State Government had also presented the draft of Rights To Information Bill for public consultation. The bill aims to institutionalise and facilitates the public’s access to information from the State Government.
    
This year in conjunction of World Press Freedom Day, Penang State Government has launched the Speakers’ Square in Penang. The Speakers’ Square concretises the citizens’ rights to the freedom of speech, to assembly and and to form associations as guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

What are the relations between the rights to information and the freedom of speech?  How do this relate to the freedom of information act? Is such an Act necessary? We  hope you can get your answers from the panelists of speakers. You are welcome to share your view as well. 
    
The panelists are:
– Ms. Latheefa Koya, Lawyer, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) Local Councillor, Information Chief of People’s Justice Party (PKR)
– Mr. Himanshu Bhatt, Chief of Northern Region Bureau, The Sun daily
– Ms. Lim Kah Cheng, Lawyer, Pulau Pinang Municipal Council (MPPP) Local Councillor (NGOs’ quota)
– Mr. George Aeria, President of Tanjung Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA)
    
Free admission. Kindly to contact Mr. Ong Jing Cheng for further information at 012-7583779 or [email protected]