The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) applauds the Selangor state government’s initiative to demand for public release of the findings of the tragic Bukit Antarabangsa landslide that happened on 6 December 2008 in the face of challenges from the Federal Government to protect the document that is classified under the Official Secrets Act.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim attempted to use Section 2C of the Official Secrets Act (OSA), which allows ministers and mentris besar to declassify documents, to make public the report that was prepared by the Works Ministry but tabled at the Cabinet. The state government had initially planned for the documents to be made available through the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), but according to Khalid, the Federal Government has challenged the decision and cautioned the state not to declassify the documents.

For the public and especially families of those who died in the tragic incident, it is illogical that a report detailing the probable causes of the landslide, findings on the safety of the area and possible recommendations for future planning is kept secret. The public should question whether the government has something to hide and not claim any responsibility. In addition, the public should also question the real reasons the OSA is still defended and used by the Barisan Nasional government where public safety, security and interests have clearly been compromised.

Two weeks ago, Khalid used Section 2(c) to declassify documents to expose three failed joint venture programmes under the tenure of his predecessors in the state.

The documents, referring to a reforestation project, the abandoned Bukit Botak housing project and the land allocation for Felda Bukit Cerakah settlers, showed the extent to which bad governance and the lack of transparency have cost the ordinary citizens millions of ringgit. This is proof that the secrecy law is used to protect the interests of a few and to prevent any public scrutiny of the decision making process.
These examples are only the tip of the iceberg and CIJ is concerned about the kinds of information that has been kept hidden from the public all these years, and where tragedies caused by landslides, cracks in highways, water shortages and other public projects that went wrong could have been avoided if there was more transparency.

The time has come for all governments to commit to a more open and transparent governance by releasing to the public all documents now classified under the OSA, and to move towards replacing the law with a Freedom of Information Act. The public must demand for these reforms as it is their right to be informed and to know.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Ends

Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran

Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
27C Jalan Sarikei, off Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 4023 0772
Fax: 03 4023 0769

For more information please contact Gayathry at 03 4023 0772