PARLIAMENT | An amendment to the Official Secrets Act 1972 is expected to be tabled next year to plug information leaks in government agencies, according to de facto deputy law minister Mohamed Hanipa Maidin.

"The amendment to OSA is expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2020 after approval by the cabinet," he told Dewan Rakyat during the question-and-answer session.

"We are reviewing and studying the amendment needed for the OSA, to streamline the existing provisions and curb information leak incidents, especially in this era of ICT (information and communications technology) and threats," he said.

Hanipa pledged that the Pakatan Harapan government, unlike the previous government, would not abuse the law.

He said the government will also table a new Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to offset the impact of the OSA.

While emphasising the need for secrecy, the government will also at the same time ensure transparency, he added.

He was responding to Che Abdullah Mat Nawi (PAS-Tumpat), who asked whether Acts including the OSA, Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and Witness Protection Act 2009 would be reviewed for improvement.

According to Hanipa, the task force set up to review the Whistleblower Protection Act is still collecting input in order to improve the Act.

"The committee had engaged with stakeholders who co-operated with the experts of the United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime (UNODC)," he said.

Hanipa added that the committee was expected to complete its review process and research by end of this year. 

NGOs demand release of CEP report, even if redacted

NGOs demand release of CEP report, even if redacted

Hanipa: CEP to remain classified, OSA won't be abused

Hanipa: CEP to remain classified, OSA won't be abused

Leaked AGC email – cops call in MCA's Chan for questioning

Leaked AGC email – cops call in MCA's Chan for questioning

OSA documents to be declassified for Najib, Irwan trial

OSA documents to be declassified for Najib, Irwan trial