KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 has agreed to hold a National Townhall session on Sept 28 to facilitate broader stakeholder and public participation in scrutinising the legislation.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the committee made the decision after weighing views and feedback from stakeholders.
She said this is to ensure that key issues concerning the Bill's framework are thoroughly considered before the committee's recommendations and views are finalised.
The committee had also heard the views and presentations of Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi on constitutional and legal perspectives, and examined additional feedback from the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) on issues raised in previous meetings, she added.
"This is among the important reforms that require in-depth and balanced scrutiny to ensure that the framework established can be implemented effectively and responsibly, taking into account the public interest as well as relevant legal considerations," she said in a statement after chairing the Bill's meeting today.
Azalina informed that she also chaired the Third Meeting of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on the Admiralty Jurisdiction Bill 2026.
Among other matters, the committee examined the AGC's feedback on the views of various stakeholders, including those of Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan and the Malaysian Bar Council.
"The committee also examined the outcomes of discussions between the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department, Ministry of Transport, AGC, and Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court to reach a consensus on several issues raised before the committee's report is finalised," she said.
Azalina said the Special Select Committee meeting on the Admiralty Jurisdiction Bill was attended by the MPs for Tebrau, Simpang Renggam, Stampin, Lumut, Padang Rengas, and Jerantut.
The meeting on the Freedom of Information Bill involved the MPs for Selayang, Kuala Pilah, Bangi, Puchong, Lubok Antu, Kota Belud and Pasir Mas.
-- BERNAMA