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Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Oledan: Transparency
By Radzini Oledan
Slice of life
"It is presumed that there is a general interest of the public to gain access to information which could help them make choices, strategize and fully participate in governance."
FREEDOM of information is not simply about providing individuals with a tool to pry information out of public bodies. This age heralds an important change in culture.
The need-to-know culture is gone. The world is becoming seamless and there is an increasing assertion from the public of right to know. Thus, freedom of information is about a more general shift to openness so that more and more information will be released before it is even requested. It is then essential for public authorities finally embrace openness which can bring about real change in the not only in the quantity but more importantly, on the quality of information in the public domain.
Transparency in governance can improve the quality, accuracy and completeness of the public discourse. Most importantly, it strengthens the relationship between the Government and the public it is mandated to serve.
There is an element of presumption though. It is presumed that there is a general interest of the public to gain access to information, which could help them make choices, strategize and fully participate in governance.
Unless release of an information falls within certain well-defined and responsible exemptions such as protecting national security or individual privacy, individuals should have the right to see a substantial amount of information from public agencies.
Here, publication schemes are important. More than ever, local government units have to seriously consider coming up with their own websites which should contain substantial information that will not only guide tourists or interested investors but also provide data for the public update. It is now high time for people to be able to read the facts and decide on their own.
The balance on this wider culture change entails governments to reflect on its policy options and it can be seen in a situation wherein not only access to information is allowed but also the scope for a larger public discussion and debate on policies and programs affecting them.
It could be a bold move for authorities to fully appreciate that allowing public access to information will transform the public into active participants in the development process.
The real test of success is not whether any piece of information is disclosed or withheld but on whether there is a change in attitude across the public sector and whether the communication between government and its citizens is strengthened.
For now, we could still be on the rough road towards genuine transparency in governance.
(January 12, 2005 issue)
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