Right to Information Act a sham by the government – MPs

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

19maj3Speaking at the debate on right to information act, Mohamed Thariq, MP for Manadhoo has said that the bill is important to make the government accountable, no matter which government it is. Generally all the MPs who spoke during the debate highlighted the importance of the bill in a transparent and democratic society.

Speaking further Thariq, an MP of ruling MDP, also said because of the absence of such a bill, public has found it difficult to get information on corruption within the government and some of the related documents had even disappeared. Such a bill is important to make the governments accountable, even if it is previous government, current government of future government, he noted.

He even said that since media is the fourth power of the state, such a bill is important for the media as well.

Opposition DRP MPs underlined that the objective of the bill is noble, however said that government should be serious to implement the bill. They also said that the bill would not be effective if government would have to release the information which it sees fit and withhold the information which it do not want to release.

Hamdhoon Hameed, MP for Inguraidhoo said that even the cabinet ministers sometimes deliberately withhold the information and said that the bill is a sham by the government.

He also said that government does not provide the adequate information on the ongoing “public-private partnerships” programme regarding the public powerhouses in the islands and public should be provided adequate information on such programmes beforehand.

Some members also highlighted the importance of providing the information by one central authority.

Ahmed Hamza, MP for Biledhdhoo, said that some information should be withheld for the betterment of the people and elaborating further said that Auditor-General’s report on Bank of Maldives reduced public confidence in the bank and created havoc in the economy and banks in the country.

Meeting was adjourned for the lack of quorum and adjourning Chair, Deputy Speaker Nazim said that some MPs are within the Majlis premises but has refused to attend the session.

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