Kuala Lumpur, 11 August 2026 – Terengganu emerged as Malaysia’s leading state for budget transparency in the Malaysia Open Budget Index (MyOBI) 2026, released today by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), reflecting its strong performance in the public availability of budget information. Selangor topped the legislative oversight assessment, followed by Pulau Pinang and Terengganu. While nine states improved the public availability of budget information and seven strengthened legislative oversight since the previous assessment, significant gaps remain, with no state publishing a complete set of essential budget documents in a timely manner.

Developed with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia and implemented in collaboration with civil society organisation (CSO) partners across Malaysia, MyOBI 2026 assesses budget transparency across all 13 states by measuring the public availability of budget information, legislative oversight by State Legislative Assemblies (DUNs), and opportunities for public participation. The 2026 edition introduces the most significant methodological revision since the Index was launched in 2019, drawing on benchmarks adapted from the International Budget Partnership’s globally recognised Open Budget Survey to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

Although nine states made tangible improvements in the public availability of budget information, the more rigorous methodology implemented this year resulted in nine states recording lower scores, highlighting the need for caution when making direct comparisons with the 2024 results.

Among the report’s key findings:

• Terengganu ranked first overall for budget transparency, followed by Selangor and Pulau Pinang. Pahang saw the largest improvement since the 2024 assessment.
• Terengganu, Selangor, and Pulau Pinang recorded the strongest legislative oversight, while Perak registered the largest improvement since 2024.
• No state publishes a complete set of essential budget documents in a timely manner, with Supply Bills, Enacted Budgets and Year End Reports remaining particularly difficult to access.
• Opportunities for public participation in state budget processes remain limited across all states.

“It is encouraging that nine states have improved the public availability of budget information since the last assessment, demonstrating that meaningful progress is possible. However, the findings also show that all states still have work to do. Timely publication of budget information, stronger legislative oversight and meaningful public participation are essential to building greater transparency and accountability in state budgeting,” said Aira Azhari, IDEAS CEO.

“Budget transparency is fundamental to good governance. The European Union is proud to support initiatives such as the MyOBI which strengthen public accountability and promote the sharing of good practices across Malaysia’s states,” said Stefan Wetzel, Attache – Programme Officer of the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia.

IDEAS recommends that state governments publish and archive detailed budget documents in a timely manner, strengthen reporting on budget implementation and policy outcomes, improve transparency in State Legislative Assembly proceedings, and establish formal pre-budget consultation mechanisms, including accessible public consultation portals, surveys and public polls.

The MyOBI 2026 assessment was conducted through a nationwide network of volunteer research partners using a standardised methodology. The findings were independently peer reviewed and shared with all state governments prior to publication.

The full MyOBI 2026 report is available on pantauwangkita.com.

— ENDS —

Download the Media Statement PDF File Here

For enquiries, please contact:
Ryan Panicker
Manager, Advocacy and Events
T: 03 – 2070 8881/8882 | E: ryannesh@ideas.org.my