What does the FOI Bill committal under SO54(1) enable PSSC to debate?

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The FOI Bill Committal Under SO54(1) Enables the PSSC to Debate its Details, Merits, and Principles

The committal of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill 2026 to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) under Standing Order (SO) 54(1) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders (DRSO) empowers the committee to engage in a comprehensive review. This specific provision allows the PSSC to deliberate not only on the granular aspects of the Bill but also on its underlying justifications and fundamental tenets.
Discussion of Bill Details and Principles

Under SO54(1) DRSO, a Bill committed to a PSSC before its second reading permits the committee to examine the legislation's specifics. This includes scrutinising the wording, clauses, and operational mechanisms proposed within the FOI Bill. Furthermore, the committee is enabled to discuss the broader merits and principles, ensuring that the foundational objectives of freedom of information are adequately addressed and upheld by the proposed law.
Scope of Review Prior to Second Reading

The procedural pathway established by SO54(1) signifies a commitment to a thorough pre-legislative review. Unlike a committal after the second reading, which restricts debate primarily to the Bill's details as per SO55(2), a committal before the second reading, as outlined in SO55(1), explicitly allows for a broader discussion encompassing the Bill's merits and principles. This approach facilitates a more substantive evaluation of the legislation.
Government's Response to Stakeholder Input

The decision to refer the FOI Bill to a PSSC under SO54(1) before its second reading has been interpreted as a positive indication of the government's responsiveness to public discourse. Civil society groups, including the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Article 19, and C4 Centre, had previously welcomed such a referral, emphasising the need for a meaningful, transparent, and inclusive review process. The selection of SO54(1) aligns with the potential for a more in-depth and participatory evaluation.

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What does the FOI Bill committal under SO54(1) enable PSSC to debate?

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