S’gor assembly passes Freedom of Information Act

By Teh Eng Hock, The Star

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Freedom of Information Enactment 2010, which will allow the public access to state documents, was passed at the state assembly here Friday after the third reading was tabled.

State executive councillor Elizabeth Wong, who tabled the bill for the third reading, said it was a historic point for not just Selangor but also Malaysia.

“No other states have dared to implement the Freedom of Information Enactment. This is a product of the people’s power,” she told the state assembly.

She said the amendments to certain parts of the bill, since it was first tabled in July last year, was accepted by the state government.

Wong said the enactment would be a dynamic law, with the Selangor lawmakers ready to make changes to improve it.

“Today we pass it, but if in six to seven months we find ways to improve it, then we will accept the proposals and amend it,” she said.

Wong also pointed out that there were Barisan Nasional assemblymen who were members of the select committee to draft the enactment, but they skipped all the meetings.

“They had a chance to create history with the people of Selangor, but they gave it a pass, and this is regrettable,” she said.