PM Anwar Stresses Need For Continuous Legal Reform

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that the legal system and judiciary are the pillars of a free, independent and democratic nation, and therefore require continuous reform.

He said the principle of separation of powers demands that all parties understand that the era of arrogance of power, whether in the executive or judiciary, must come to an end.

“The experience in ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, has proven that there were times when the arrogance of political power weakened the legal system, and similarly, when damage and decay happened in the judiciary with allegations of corruption, arrogance and irregularities,” the Prime Minister said.

He said this when delivering his keynote address at the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Law Forum 2025, themed Enhancing Access to Justice in the ASEAN Economic Community: Bridging Legal Cooperation for Inclusive Growth.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Deputy Minister M. Kulasegaran and ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

According to the Prime Minister, the MADANI government fully supports the reform efforts spearheaded by Azalina together with the Attorney General’s Chambers to strengthen the integrity of the country’s legal system.

“When Minister Azalina emphasises the need for reform, she does so with strong spirit and determination in her meetings with ministers.

“The reforms carried out in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Chambers will provide renewed confidence in eradicating abuse of power,” he said. 

The three-day forum gathered 58 speakers and moderators in 15 expert-led sessions, with more than 300 participants from ASEAN and beyond discussing various issues, including alternative dispute resolution, commercial law reform, as well as business relations and human rights.

-- BERNAMA