Open Government and Freedom of Information: Policy and Practice in Asia and the Middle East (Information Technology and Global Governance)

The book examines the state of Open Government in Asia. Drawing on thirteen country case studies and one regional study, it analyses the application of Freedom of Information methods and assesses their implications for democratic governance, particularly transparency, accountability, participation, collaboration, inclusive policymaking and technology. The book also considers the usefulness of open participatory platforms that enable citizens’ ‘right to information’, and help them monitor and scrutinize governmental activities to ensure accountability, integrity and the quality of democracy. Contributors to the volume evaluate Open Government and Freedom of Information arrangements and relevant issues in a particular country and adjudge their performance. The book will appeal to scholars and students of public policy, digital governance and technology. Preface References Contents Notes on Contributors List of Figures List of Tables Part I: Prologue Chapter 1: Open Government and Freedom of Information: Parameters and Determinants—An Introduction Introduction Explaining Open Government The Pivotal Elements of Open Government Transparency Accountability Participation Inclusive Policies Technology Open Government Partnership Exploring Freedom of Information Open Government and Bureaucracy Conclusion References Chapter 2: Open Government and Freedom of Information in Asia: Exploring Developments and Outcomes Introduction Dimensions of OG and FOI in Asia Asian Case Studies of OG and FOI References Part II: Country Studies East & Southeast Asia Chapter 3: Leaning Towards the Light? The Path to Open Government in Taiwan Introduction Policy Highlights of Open Government Participatory Budgeting Youth Advisory Committees Open Data Online Civic Engagement Platforms Assessing the Performance of Open Government Transparency Public Participation Inclusion Public Accountability Conclusions and Further Challenges References Chapter 4: Open Government and Freedom of Information: The Philippine Experience Overview Literature Review Philippine Policies on Public Transparency and Accountability FOI and OG in the Philippines and Its Southeast Asian Neighbours  The Necessity of a FOI Act in the Philippines Issues and Concerns The Role of Institutions for FOI in the Philippines Discussion Strong Political Leadership Multi-sectoral Collaboration Information Dissemination Through Digital Platforms Support from International Institutions Conclusion References Chapter 5: Open Government in a Non-democratic Context? Access to Information in Hong Kong Introduction Open Government and Freedom of Information The Context of Hong Kong Access to Information and Refusal to Disclose Managing COVID-19 Welfare Support to Mainland Immigrants Request for Details on Offences Analysis and Observations Concluding Observations References Chapter 6: State of Access to Information in the Context of Open Government in Malaysia Introduction Theoretical Framework Financial Corruption and Access to Information in Malaysia Laws Restricting Access to Information in Malaysia Freedom of Information and Misinformation Conclusions References Chapter 7: Twenty-Five Years of Freedom of Information in Thailand: An Empty Gesture? Introduction Open Government, Freedom of Information, and Good Governance Sociopolitical Context of Open Government and Freedom of Information The Official Information Act Implementation of the Official Information Act Freedom of Information Act: Pathway to Good Governance? Conclusion References Chapter 8: Open Government Data and Smart Nation in Singapore Introduction Open Government Data and Trust in Government Open Government and Smart Nation-Building in Singapore The COVID-19 Pandemic and OGD Methods Data Measures Analysis Results Descriptive Analysis Regression Conclusions Appendix References Chapter 9: Right to Information Law and Open Government: The Indonesian Experience Introduction RTI Law in Indonesia: The Public Information Disclosure Act 2008 Implementation of PIDA: Challenges and Pitfalls The Supply-Side Challenges The Demand-Side Issues Discussion Conclusion References Chapter 10: Open Government Information in China: Review and Assessment Introduction The Developmental Path of Open Government in China Open Village Affairs Open Government Affairs and Legalization Experimentations The Regulations on Open Government Information (ROGI) A Framework of Assessment Implementation of the ROGI The Impacts of OGI on Governance Outcomes Transparency Participation Accountability Conclusion References Part III: South Asia Chapter 11: Integrating Social Equity into Right to Information and Access to Information Laws and Policies: Drawing on the Indian Case Introduction Background Social Equity, RTI and Democratic Governance RTIA in ‘Spirit’ and Its Application for Marginalized Citizens The RTIA and the Marginalized: Challenges and Pitfalls Lack of Awareness Socio-cultural Factors Reflections on RTIA at the Sub-National Level Awareness Accessibility and Availability Affordability Discussion and Implications References Chapter 12: Lifting the Shroud of Secrecy: State of Open Government and Information Access in Bangladesh Introduction Contextualizing Open Government in Bangladesh Open Government: Where Bangladesh Stands? Transparency—Tinged with Opacity Accountability—Trapped in Formalism Participation—Yet to Transcend Tokenism Collaboration and Networking: Still Sprouting Inclusive Policymaking: Restricted Scope Technology: Slow Growth Open Government Data: Still Embryonic Freedom to Access and Use Information Conclusion References Chapter 13: Quest for Democratic Governance in Nepal: The Relevance of Governance Legitimacy and Capacity Introduction Open Government Explaining Democratic Governance: A Theoretical Discussion Governance (Output) Capacity and Performance Governance (Input) Legitimacy Development of Democratic Governance in Nepal Method of Inquiry Data Analysis and Discussions Governance Legitimacy Governance Capacity Regression Analysis Conclusion References Chapter 14: Open Government and Freedom of Information: The Sri Lankan Experience Introduction Overview of the RTI Act Public Interest Override Proactive Disclosure RTIC’s Power to Inspect Information Disobeying Orders Priority of RTI Act Open Government (OG) and the RTI Regime in Sri Lanka Accountability of Elected Representatives Use of Public Funds, Anti-corruption, and the Public Purse Decision-Making in Public Authorities Delivery of Public Utility Services Civil Liberties Environmental Damages Limitations, Challenges, and the Road Ahead Conclusion References Part IV: Middle East Chapter 15: An Analysis of Digital Transformation in Public Organizations: The Case of the United Arab Emirates Introduction Digital Transformation and Open Government: A Theoretical Appraisal of Concepts, Promises, and Contexts Conceptual Trajectory: Digital Transformation Open Government Conceptual Appraisal Digital Transformation and Open Government in the UAE Politico-Administrative System Policy, Programs, and Performance Discussion and Conclusion References Chapter 16: Assessing the Quality and Usability of Open Government Data Portals in the GCC Constituents Introduction Related Research Analytical Framework Results National OGD Portal of Saudi Arabia National OGD Portal of Kuwait National OGD Portal of UAE National OGD Portal of Oman National OGD Portal of Bahrain National OGD Portal of Qatar Accumulative Findings Conclusion Implications for Academics and Practitioners References Part V: Epilogue Chapter 17: Conclusion: Recap and Recommendations Introduction The Way Forward Future Research References Correction to: Open Government and Freedom of Information: The Philippine Experience Correction to: Index