Media must be given easy access to information: Information Commissioner

Authorities must provide the media with easy access to information, says Information Commissioner Hussain Fiyaz Moosa.

While speaking on RaajjeTV's "FalaSuruhee" programme on Monday night, Fiyaz stressed the importance of authorities establishing collectively known "channels" to share information with the media or anyone else seeking data.

He further emphasized the significance of a thoroughly informed information-sharing channel, highlighting that sharing outdated information or withholding information is detrimental to the interests of the authority as it can lead to public distrust.

Article 29 of the constitution declares that "everyone has the freedom to acquire and impart knowledge, information, and learning."

As such, Fiyaz revealed that, in the past month, he has met with permanent secretaries of the ministries as well as members of the Civil Service Commission to request help in enforcing article 29.

Moreover, he divulged that he has requested the Elections Commission to arrange for meetings with political parties for the upcoming week to discuss Article 29, in addition to requesting meetings with state administrative offices.

According to Fiyaz, the state 2020 budget and the administration's Strategic Action Plan (SAP) offers a lot of potential for growth in the field of public access to information. He further added that if the administration achieves its outlined goals for this field, it will establish a healthy culture of information sharing.

While the Information Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that the public has access to information, the Information Commissioners Office has recently launched a campaign titled "Article 29".

As such, Fiyaz declared that article 29 gives the regular citizen the power to hold state officials accountable.