A recent change to the Right to Information (RTI) law — which now allows the Council of Ministers (COM) to keep some information secret — has raised concern among journalists, social media representatives, and public relations officers.

The amendment to the Right to Information Act No.13 of 2016 was passed in Parliament during its First Ordinary Session in May.

Concerns came up this week during a workshop hosted by the Right to Information Unit, where media professionals discussed the public’s right to know what decisions COM is making.

RTI Unit Manager, Harold Obed, said it’s not right to hide public information.

“In the past, the Council of Ministers shared their decisions when they met in places like Tanna, Santo, and Torba. That information was public, and I believe it still should be. People have the right to know what’s happening and what decisions are being made,” Obed said.

Social Media Association representative, Mike Kaun Esrom, also said the change is serious and could damage trust.

“Why should we have secrets? We live in a democracy — government by the people, for the people. When information is hidden, we are cutting the connection that holds society together,” he said.

The new amendment gives COM the power to mark certain documents and decisions as confidential — meaning they don’t have to be shared with the public. The government says this is to protect national interests.

But Opposition Leader, Hon. Ismael Kalsakau, said the change could be used to hide important public reports, including Commission of Inquiry (COI) reports, which are meant to hold government accountable.

“This change allows Council of Ministers to make COI reports secret, even when they involve the misuse of public funds. That’s wrong,” said Hon. Kalsakau.

The Right to Information Unit says it is now reviewing how the law can still support the public’s right to access important information — while respecting government processes.