Think tank IDEAS released its Malaysia Open Budget Index 2026, evaluating all 13 states. Ahmad Abi Shifa Mohd Hassan, Assistant Manager for Research at IDEAS, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to unpack why Terengganu led in transparency while Selangor topped legislative oversight, and how a methodology overhaul affected overall state scores despite broader improvements in document disclosure.

He discusses the practical steps taken by top-performing states to publish detailed, programmatic budget data and assembly hansards. 

Ahmad also addresses the underlying technical, administrative, and cultural hurdles preventing states from releasing complete sets of essential budget documents on time, while highlighting how public participation can foster greater accountability across local government levels.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Think tank IDEAS released its Malaysia Open Budget Index 2026, evaluating all 13 states. Ahmad Abi Shifa Mohd Hassan, Assistant Manager for Research at IDEAS, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to unpack why Terengganu led in transparency while Selangor topped legislative oversight, and how a methodology overhaul affected overall state scores despite broader improvements in document disclosure.He discusses the practical steps taken by top-performing states to publish detailed, programmatic budget data and assembly hansards. Ahmad also addresses the underlying technical, administrative, and cultural hurdles preventing states from releasing complete sets of essential budget documents on time, while highlighting how public participation can foster greater accountability across local government levels.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.