Since 2022, IDEAS has championed the Malaysia Open Budget Index (MyOBI) as a benchmark for measuring the availability, comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of budget information, legislative oversight and opportunities for public participation across Malaysia’s states.

Supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, the MyOBI 2026 report launch will present the latest assessment of state budgetary practices, highlighting persistent gaps and increasing divergence between states. Amid increasingly robust public and political discussions on federal-state financial relations, MyOBI 2026 identifies those states that are best placed to assume greater fiscal responsibility and those with significant governance reform needs.

The event will also provide an opportunity for state governments, policymakers, civil society organisations and researchers to discuss emerging challenges and share good practices that can strengthen transparency, oversight and public participation in budgeting. Participants will hear from high-performing states on the reforms and initiatives that have contributed to their progress, with the aim of encouraging greater adoption of successful practices across Malaysia.