THE Penang government has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to refer the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further scrutiny, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening transparency and good governance nationwide.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of good governance, as they help reinforce public trust and build more resilient institutions.
“Transparency and accountability strengthen public trust and make institutions more resilient.
“Here in Penang, we took the lead by introducing the Penang Freedom of Information Enactment in 2010, becoming the second state in Malaysia to institutionalise public access to government information.
“Our experience has shown that greater openness strengthens accountability, improves policymaking, and builds public confidence.
“Therefore, I hope the national legislation will further advance these principles across the country,” he said in his speech at the welcome dinner for the 17th Asian Criminological Society (ACS) Annual Conference at M Social Resort Hotel in Tanjung Bungah this evening.
Also present were Chinese Consul-General in Penang Zhou Youbin and ACS president Professor Dr Gerry J. Caño.
Touching on the conference, Chow expressed confidence that the event would serve as a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas and collaboration among scholars and practitioners from across the region.
“I wish the 17th ACS Annual Conference every success.
“May the ideas exchanged over the coming days strengthen criminological research, inspire better public policy, and contribute to safer, more peaceful, and more resilient societies across Asia and beyond,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis