What does committal under SO54(1) allow a PSSC to review in the FOI Bill?

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Committal Under SO54(1) Permits a PSSC to Review the FOI Bill's Details, Merits, and Principles

Committal of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill 2026 to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) under Standing Order (SO) 54(1) allows the committee to thoroughly examine the Bill's specific details, its overall merits, and the fundamental principles guiding it. This specific provision, outlined in SO55(1) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders (DRSO), enables a more comprehensive review compared to committal after the second reading.
PSSC's Scope of Review Under SO54(1)

When a Bill is committed to a PSSC before its second reading, as in the case of the FOI Bill 2026, the committee's mandate extends beyond mere textual scrutiny. It is empowered by SO55(1) DRSO to delve into the substance of the legislation, considering not only its operational specifics but also its inherent value and the core ideas it seeks to advance. This contrasts with a committal after the second reading, where SO55(2) DRSO restricts the PSSC's discussion primarily to the Bill's details, excluding its foundational principles.
Timing of Committal Matters

The distinction between committing a Bill before or after its second reading is significant in determining the depth and breadth of the PSSC's review. The FOI Bill 2026 was referred to the PSSC under SO54(1), indicating a pre-second reading committal. This procedural choice by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said on July 14 suggests an intention for a more in-depth examination of the Bill.
Civil Society's Reception to the Committal

The government's decision to refer the FOI Bill to a PSSC under SO54(1) was reportedly welcomed by civil society groups, including the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ). Executive director Wathshlah Naidu described the referral as a positive step, emphasizing the need for a review process that is meaningful, transparent, and inclusive, involving substantive consultations with civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Implications for the FOI Bill's Development

A committal under SO54(1) is seen as an indication that the government is receptive to public input and committed to a robust legislative process. This approach allows for a more substantive and potentially more impactful review of the FOI Bill, aligning with calls for transparency and inclusivity in its development. The PSSC's ability to discuss the Bill's principles under this provision is crucial for ensuring that the legislation effectively serves its intended purpose.

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What does committal under SO54(1) allow a PSSC to review in the FOI Bill?

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