Malaysia may review Official Secrets Act, government signals legislative push

The government is exploring potential amendments to the Official Secrets Act, a key piece of legislation governing classified information and state security matters, according to statements from the Law Ministry. The move comes as part of a wider package of legal reforms being considered by the administration. Officials indicated the review would examine the current scope and application of the century-old legislation in contemporary Malaysian governance. The proposed changes are expected to be evaluated alongside other legislative priorities. In a parallel development, the government has declared its readiness to introduce the Attorney General-Public Prosecutor Bill in Parliament. The legislation is intended to address the relationship and operational frameworks between the two offices, though specific details of the proposed amendments remain under review. The timing of both measures reflects the government's stated commitment to modernising Malaysia's legal framework. Legal experts and civil society have long called for updates to the Official Secrets Act, citing concerns about its broad application and potential impact on press freedom and public accountability. The government's consideration of these reforms signals responsiveness to ongoing debates about balancing national security with transparency and democratic participation.