AGC believes secrets act review timely, says minister

The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) wants penalties under the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA) revised in light of the unfettered spread of information throughout the world, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. But she said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday that any proposed amendments to the act would rest on the executive. "The AGC will take further action after a policy decision is made by the executive," wrote Azalina, a minister in the prime minister's department. "Usually, provisions in a law are reviewed after a certain period of time. "In this matter, the AGC is of the view that it is time punishments under the OSA are reviewed in line with the current trend of information spreading unrestricted in the world, as well as the frequent leak of government secrets." She said this in response to Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim's question on the status of the OSA revision, and when it was expected to be tabled in Parliament. – March 9, 2016. MORE TO COME]]>