The Protection of State Information Bill (Secrecy Bill) has been passed by Parliament with 189 votes in favour, 74 against and one member who abstained from voting.
The bill has been one of the most hotly contested legislative proposals of President Jacob Zuma’s administration, who argue that it is needed to provide more effective regulations for managing sensitive information.
Under pressure from critics, the bill has already been heavily revised, removing provisions that would have allowed almost any government agency to classify material. The revisions also increase penalties on those who abuse the system and step up public interest safeguards.
To read the article titled, “MPs give secrecy bill the thumbs-up,” click here.
Source:
The Citizen