The threat of using the controversial Official Secrets Act (OSA) against civil servants is an over-reaction on the part of the Barisan Nasional government, said human rights groups today.

According to them, the threat was an attempt by the government to divert people's attention away from having to elaborate further on the implementation and ramifications of the 2003 Budget, which was announced last Friday.

The OSA was invoked when the opposition Barisan Alternatif's own budget proposal, also released last week, was said to have contained inputs from senior government officials.

The government was also lambasted for seeking to stifle alternative views on the economic management of the country.

'Stop issuing warnings'

When contacted yesterday, Suaram executive director Cynthia Gabriel said the government is over-reacting to the point of arousing panic and inciting fear among civil servants and the public.

"Alternative views are a welcome move in a democratic environment as this is vital for transparency and accountability.

"We urge Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and ( de facto Law Minister) Dr Rais Yatim to stop issuing such warnings by invoking the OSA," she said.

Citing Keadilan leader Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor's case, Gabriel said the law had been abused in the past.

Ezam is currently serving a two-year jail sentence for leaking to the media Anti-Corruption Agency's investigation papers on two high-ranking politicians.

Those found guilty of breaching the OSA face a mandatory of at least one-year jail sentence.

Government officials warned

On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi warned government officers that they will be charged under the Official Secrets Act 1972 if found to have leaked classified information to the opposition. Rais had issued similar warnings last week.

Referring to the Budget 2003, Abdullah described those who divulge classified information and documents as saboteurs, and urged the Public Services Department disciplinary committee to punish officers who violated their oath of secrecy to protect government interest.

Abdullah also reminded government officers of their pledge of loyalty ( akujanji ), a document signed by civil servants.

Last week, PAS acting president and Opposition Leader Abdul Hadi Awang claimed that he had obtained information for the "alternative" budget presented by the BA opposition front, from civil servants.

Police investigations have been initiated after reports were lodged by Umno Youth following the revelation.

Right to know

Subang Jaya e-community leader, Jeff Ooi, felt that citizens deserved to know how the government is spending taxpayers' money.

"No one should deny citizens their right to know. Why should the government react in this way? Is it to stifle our freedom?" he questioned.

"The government's warnings, by invoking fear among civil servants, is a knee-jerk reaction. It should not forget that the money we are talking about belongs to the people.

"The government of the day is only the caretaker and is responsible and accountable to the people," added Ooi.

National Human Rights Society (Hakam) president Ramdas Tikamdas said public should have access to information.

"But the manner in which the OSA is being invoked by the authorities from time to time suggests that they want to create a closed government, and having the monopoly on information, it will release it at its whim and fancy."

Freedom of information

Ramdas added that such threats did not reflect good governance or participatory democracy.

"Instead of diverting attention elsewhere, which is a sign of low confidence, they should explain how the budget is expected to promote economic prosperity and national well-being."

Meanwhile, civil society group Charter 2000 joint coordinator Anil Netto wanted a Freedom of Information Act to replace the OSA.

He said the deputy prime minister should explain how the country's national interest is jeopardised by Abdul Hadi's revelation given that OSA has repeatedly been used to cover up abuses of power and corruption.

Anil expressed worry that the Act would create a cumulative effect which would, in turn, make people more reluctant to be critical.