right to information
DESCRIPTION
disclaimer: this note is reference for student of Administrative Law (LAW506) in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. It's prepared by Puan Normawati HashimTRANSCRIPT
Right to information.(Open government)
• Introduction Modern democratic world emphasis on open government. Opengovernment can check on inefficiency an improper exercise of powers
by the administration. Citizens have right to know. However there can be circumstances government withhold informations on
the ground of interest to defence or for security of country.
• Public interest immunity. In England before 1973( Crown Privilege) there is public interest immunity to
prevent disclosure of ev. in court on the grd of public interest to ensure no prejudice / injured nation if certain documents shown.
On the other hand public interest must not be frustrated by government with holding document.
Public Interest.
• Cases.• England Duncan v Cammell Laird and Co.(1942) AC 624. Conway v Rimmer (1968) 2 Ac 910 Burmah oil.
Australia. Robinson v South Australia(1931) AC 704
India. State of Punjab v Sodhi Sukhdev Singh AIR 1961 SC 493. Amarchand Butail v Union of India AIR 1964 SC 1658.
Public Interest• Malaysia. S.123 Evidence Act. S.124 S.162 Cases.
B.A. Rao V Sapuran Kaur (1978) 2 MLJ 146
Toh Kong Joo V penguasa Perubatan Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru (1990) 2 MLJ 235