From 12 to 15 February 2007, the National Coalition for a Freedom of Information Act sent three delegates to the State of Kelantan to raise awareness among politicians and the general public on the importance of freedom of information.

The trio, Sonia Randhawa, Hwa Yi Xing and Clarissa Lee, met with members of the state legislature (ADUNs) from both the ruling and the opposition parties to discuss the possibility of Freedom of Information legislation in Kelantan. They also leafleted various public areas and met with representatives from Trade Unions.

The coalition presented copies of a draft Freedom of Information law to the ADUNs. The draft was prepared and reviewed by members of the Freedom of Information Coalition, with input from international organizations such as Article 19 and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative to ensure that it meets international FOI standards.

In addition to Kota Bahru, the representatives also visited and met ADUNs in Kuala Krai, Tanah Merah, and Jelawat. At each of these stops, they distributed FOI leaflets and engaged members of the public in discussions on FOI and what it means to them.

Response was very positive overall. Most of the legislators explicitly said that they support freedom of information. Datuk Husam Musa said that he would pass the draft bill to his legal advisor, and there is a possibility that it might be tabled in June, during the Dewan Undangan Negeri's next sitting.

Ends


Released by:
Sonia Randhawa
Executive Director
Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia

For further information or comments, please contact:
Sonia – 012 326 0424