SHAH ALAM, 12 May – To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, the Selangor Government will be organising a Panel Discussion & Public Consultation on a proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill on the 19th of May, 9.00am to 1.00pm at Auditorium, Petaling Jaya Civil Centre, Petaling Jaya.

Malaysia has not fared very positively in the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. In the latest 2008 index, Malaysia fell eight places to 132nd place, its worst ever ranking since. In 2006, it ranked at 92nd, 2007 at 124th and 2008 132nd.

Selangor’s FOI initiative, spearheaded by Executive Councillor YB Elizabeth Wong, seeks to remedy this lack of transparency prevalent in Malaysian governance.

This initiative reflects the Selangor government’s conviction that access to information is a fundamental principle, with only specific exceptions, which empowers citizens to keep governments accountable based on the information they have. The overall effect is deemed to be positive, where bureaucracy is kept efficient, voters are kept informed, and reduces significantly the potential for corrupt practices.

This Panel Discussion and Public Consultation has thus been organised to deepen mutual understanding surrounding this issue and garner public feedback. It will be officiated by TSKI and will feature as panelists YB Elizabeth Wong, State Executive Councilor and Chairperson, Task Force on Freedom of Information; Sevan D., Program Director, Centre for Independent Journalism; Dipendra Harshad Rai, Bar Council; Dr. Lim Teck Ghee, Director, Centre for Policy Initiatives; Mr Ngooi Chiu Ing, Member of the Exco, Transparency International and Padmaja Padman, Training Editor, Malaysia Kini.

Media practitioners as well as representatives from civil society are encouraged to attend and share their views. – GINIE LIM SIEW LIN