With the Government Procurement Bill 2025 passed by 125 votes, Malaysia has taken a major step toward strengthening how public money is managed. Next comes the Right to Information (RTI) law, which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to table by the end of 2025.<br /><br />RTI is more than a legal reform. It is a framework that could help citizens, journalists and businesses access data on how decisions are made, contracts are awarded and funds are spent — the foundation for genuine public accountability.<br /><br />As Sabah heads to the polls on 29 November, RTI is not yet in force, but the debate around it highlights a bigger question: how ready are we to build an election and governance culture where transparency is the default, not the exception?<br /><br />Featuring Dato Dr Punitha Silivarajoo, Deputy Director General, (Policy & Development) BHEUU, and Pushpan Murugiah, CEO, C4 Center. <br />
