Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ministry aiming for 2023 promulgation of Freedom of Information Act

Ministry aiming for 2023 promulgation of Freedom of Information Act

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Information ministry undersecretary of state Meas Sophorn during a press conference at the Council of Ministers. MOI

Ministry aiming for 2023 promulgation of Freedom of Information Act

The Ministry of Information, in response to a number of civil society organisations, said it has been working to accelerate the drafting of the Freedom of Information Act. The ministry said it is optimistic that the law will be promulgated in 2023.

Its undersecretary of state and spokesman Meas Sophorn said on January 13 that the ministry is still working on finalising the content of the draft law before requesting the approval of the draft of the Freedom of Information Act procedurally.

“With regards to the process of drafting the Freedom of Information Act, our technical teams at the ministries of information and justice have already completed their consultative meeting on the provisions of the law, but there are still a few points that need to be decided by the leadership of both ministries. We are also reviewing some of the comments on this draft law by relevant parties,” he stated.

He continued that although the draft law has not yet been approved, the government has put in place the necessary mechanisms to further promote and improve the provision of public services and the right of citizens to access information. The government has also established the One Window Service units at ministries and institutions at the national and sub-national levels to assist with access to information by the public.

He also noted that the government has established its spokesperson unit, which coordinates activities by spokespersons from ministries and institutions and other information officers in the capital and provinces to enable people to get real information from all corners of the government to help the public stay informed about the development of society and government activities.

He added that for this particular draft law, the ministry is providing the opportunity for a wide range of discussions and suggestions from all stakeholders, including ministries, public institutions, UN agencies in Cambodia and many civil society organisations and thus it may take some additional time for this draft law to be written and approved.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.