KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 -- The government has introduced a proposed law that sets out how Malaysians can request access to information held by federal public authorities.

This proposed law - Freedom of Information - establishes the procedures for making requests, how public authorities handles and manages requests.

It is also intended to regulate the process for requesting access to information, without overriding existing secrecy laws or creating a constitutional right to information.

If the proposed law gets a green light, here is how the proposed legislation works.

Who can apply?

Only Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above may request access to information.

A person may also request information on behalf of a third party if they are ...