Kuala Lampur, July 23 -- The right to know is a fundamental right of every citizen. Without it, every other democratic right is diminished. Democracy flourishes when citizens are informed, engaged, and able to participate meaningfully in public life.

A government's commitment to transparency is measured not by what it says, but by what it is prepared to disclose.

For decades, Malaysians have called for a federal law that would give citizens a legal right to obtain information held by the government. The tabling of the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 (FOI Bill) is therefore a long-awaited and welcome milestone.

The most authoritative position expanding this fundamental right came from the landmark Federal Court case of Sivarasa Rasiah ...