Information Commissioner Hussain Fiyaz Moosa has urged all state offices to provide all information as requested under the Right to Information Act.
In a statement issued by the commission regarding government’s decision to open offices for essential work from May 31 until June 11 under the new normal policies issued by the government, Fiyaz highlighted the importance of prioritising the right to information. The commissioner said the right to access information, transparency and accountability are integral elements of good governance, adding the public must be provided information about state proceedings, in order to gain public trust and confidence. He added the right to information must also be ensured to mitigate corruption.
The information commissioner additionally said the biggest asset of the authorities, especially during a state emergency, is public trust which can only be assured if the public can access information. In this regard, he called all state offices to respond to requests on obtaining information, without withholding any information. He noted some offices have withheld information despite the commissioner requesting the information be released, and called the offices to release requested information without delay.