The MCA today urged the DAP-led Penang state government to withdraw the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, saying it denied the people's right to know of government plans.

Penang MCA secretary Lau Chek Tuan said the bill, which went through the first reading at the state legislative assembly, was contrary to the spirit of freedom of information.

He said the bill was not in line with the pledge of the state government which allegedly implemented the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance, and threatened the people from revealing government plans.

The state government should reveal what information was classified as confidential because the people had the right to know about government budgetary matters and plans on land acquisition and so on.

Lau said information classified as confidential by the federal government related to defence, intelligence and security matters, all of which were not handled by the state government.

He urged the Penang Chinese Assembly Hall and the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce to raise objection against the bill, saying it undermined the interests of the people of the state.

- Bernama