MADANI Legal Reform Gains Momentum With Key Bills And Motions Passed

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government’s legal and institutional reform agenda continues to gain momentum, with five bills and two key motions passed in the first week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting.

It included amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711) and the introduction of community service penalties for minor littering offences.

The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, drafted to expand protection for whistleblowers and strengthen mechanisms for reporting misconduct, was passed by a majority voice vote following debate by 24 members of parliament.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who tabled the Bill, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing whistleblower protection as part of its anti-corruption efforts and drive to improve public and private sector integrity.

She noted that although the Act 711 has been in force for over a decade, it still contains weaknesses that need to be addressed. 

Also drawing attention during this week’s Dewan Rakyat proceedings were the passage of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Streets, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving public cleanliness. 

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the amendments seek to address the issue of minor littering, including cigarette butts, tissues, plastic, drink cans, and food wrappers, in public spaces and roads by introducing community service orders as an additional penalty to existing fines.

Nga said the move is crucial to instill civic responsibility, raise public awareness and cultivate a culture of cleanliness, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Malaysia for the well-being of its people.

Also passed was the Consumer Credit  (Finance) Bill 2025, which was formulated to address significant gaps in the currently unregulated sector, particularly among businesses targeting vulnerable credit consumers who are susceptible to exploitation.

This week’s sitting also saw the tabling of four bills for first reading: the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Compulsory Attendance of Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Fees (Pengkalan Kubor Ferry) (Validation) Bill 2025.

In addition, the Dewan Rakyat approved two motions: the Auditor-General’s Report (LKAN) 2/2025 on the Activities of Federal Ministries, Departments, Statutory Bodies and Government-linked Companies; and the 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).

The approval of both motions reflects the MADANI government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in ensuring sound public financial governance and respect for human rights, thereby reinforcing public confidence in government institutions through transparent reporting and comprehensive auditing.

Several MPs who participated in the debate on the LKAN 2/2025 commended the government’s openness in tabling the report, describing it as a progressive step that allows elected representatives to scrutinise audit findings and propose constructive improvements.

Separately, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that the tabling and debate of SUHAKAM’s Annual Report marked an important democratic tradition, as it provides a platform for MPs to review the state of human rights in the country and propose policy and implementation reforms.

Also drawing attention this week was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance on Malaysia’s unchanged position regarding the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, including Iran.

During Minister’s Question Time, Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia’s position remains steadfast, even in the face of potential pressure or objections from the United States during ongoing tariff negotiations, which are expected to continue through August.

The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament will continue for 24 days until Aug 28.

-- BERNAMA