By Majangkim Office, Majangkim Office advocates for transparency, accountability, and democratic reform in Malaysia.
KOTA KINABALU: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is often hailed as a cornerstone of democracy, giving citizens the right to scrutinize M ko decisions and demand accountability. While it is not a guarantee to eradicate corruption completely, it remains a necessary tool in the fight against abuse of power.
A few years ago, I was invited together with local NGOs from Sabah and Sarawak to draft Malaysia’s Freedom of Information Act. That process revealed both the promise and the limitations of such legislation.
As explained by the Sri Lanka FOI Commissioner, certain areas must remain restricted for national security reasons—such as troop movements and ongoing military operations. Beyond those sensitive matters, however, the Act should ensure open access to information on contracts, procurement, and supplies, which are often the areas most vulnerable to corruption.
For states like Sabah and Sarawak, where resource governance and historical accountability remain deeply contested, a national FOIA would empower citizens to track revenue flows, procurement, and contracts — turning opaque deals into public knowledge. Transparency here is not just about accountability—it is about reclaiming public trust in how our resources are managed.
Malaysia’s democratic institutions face growing challenges. When rights are systematically eroded, resources are plundered by political elites, and corruption becomes endemic, even the most respected institutions are tarnished.
Recent investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into the armed forces, including raids and the immediate leave of a ranking Army leader, highlight how deeply corruption can penetrate.
These events underscore how unchecked power can ripple through the chain of command, damaging morale and public trust.
Some argue FOIA could hinder efficiency or national security — yet Penang and Selangor’s functioning systems show transparency need not compromise governance.
The real hindrance is not openness, but opacity where corruption thrives.
Transparency is not just a legal principle—it is a democratic lifeline. Access to information empowers journalists, civil society, and ordinary citizens to expose wrongdoing.
It deters abuse by making it harder for elites to hide illicit activities, and it ensures accountability even within powerful institutions like the armed forces.
Access to information is not merely policy — it is increasingly recognized as a facet of the fundamental right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and international human rights norms.
DAP National Chairman Gobind Singh Deo recently underscored the urgent need for institutional reforms, stressing that Malaysia must strengthen governance, accountability, and integrity in public administration.
The push for a Freedom of Information Act is the best example of the kind of reform he advocates—one that restores trust and ensures transparency in government dealings.
Importantly, Penang and Selangor have already implemented Freedom of Information practices at the state level, proving that transparency can work in Malaysia.
These state initiatives demonstrate that FOI is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool that can be applied successfully. It is now time to extend this principle throughout the country via a national FOI Act, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of state, has equal access to information and the ability to hold leaders accountable.
Malaysia’s experience is a reminder that democracy is fragile. Without transparency, corruption festers. Without accountability, power is abused.
And without access to information, the people are left in the dark while resources are siphoned away. The Freedom of Information Act may not be a cure‑all, but it is a vital safeguard to keep democracy alive.
The time for half‑measures is over. Malaysia must embrace a nationwide Freedom of Information Act—not as a symbolic gesture, but as a practical safeguard to protect democracy, restore trust, and confront corruption head‑on.
We call on the Ministry of Law and Institutional Reform to table a full FOIA bill in the next parliamentary session, and on every MP — government or opposition — to support its passage. The Madani Government must take the initiative and call for real reform.
