What is the significance of the FOI Bill being committed under SO54(1) specifically?

Question

Accepted Answer

Significance of Committal Under Standing Order 54(1) for the FOI Bill

The referral 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 is significant because it allows for a more comprehensive review of the Bill before its second reading. This specific type of committal enables the PSSC to examine not only the details of the proposed legislation but also its underlying merits and principles.
Broader Scope for PSSC Review

A committal under SO 54(1) occurs prior to a Bill's second reading, providing a distinct advantage for legislative scrutiny. As outlined in SO 55(1) of the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders, when a Bill is committed in this manner, the PSSC is empowered to deliberate on the Bill's finer points as well as its fundamental justifications and core tenets. This contrasts with a committal under SO 54(2), which takes place after the second reading and restricts the committee's scope to only debating the Bill's details, precluding discussion on its principles as per SO 55(2).
Enabling a Substantive and Inclusive Examination

The procedural distinction means that a committal under SO 54(1) is intended to facilitate a more "substantive" review. This approach is designed to ensure that the legislative process is "meaningful, transparent and inclusive," as civil society groups like the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) have advocated. By allowing for an early and broad examination, this mechanism supports a deeper engagement with the legislation's implications and objectives.
Government's Responsiveness to Stakeholder Input

The decision to commit the FOI Bill under SO 54(1) has been interpreted as a positive indication of the government's willingness to engage with public sentiment. Civil society organisations, including Article 19 and the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Centre), had welcomed the intention to refer the Bill to a PSSC. Their participation and consultation during this phase are crucial for a robust review process, aiming to ensure the Bill effectively serves its purpose upon enactment.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What is the significance of the FOI Bill being committed under SO54(1) specifically?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends