08/09/2025

MONDAY | SEPT 8, 2025

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Mixed reactions to proposal for dedicated Law Ministry

Draft of Anti Bullying Tribunal Bill to be prepared in six months BAGAN DATUK: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has been given six months to prepare and present a draft proposal on the Anti-Bullying Tribunal Bill to the Cabinet. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the draft proposal would be presented to the Cabinet only after Azalina holds engagement sessions with all stakeholders nationwide. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, said the Cabinet had proposed involving parent-teacher associations nationwide in the process, including those in fully residential schools, Mara Junior Science colleges, elite institutions such as the Royal Military College as well as public and private universities. “The drafting of this Bill is important to prevent bullying from continuing and affecting the minds of parents and students who are victims,” he said after officiating at a motivation event yesterday. Ahmad Zahid added that a uniformed body would likely be involved in drafting the Bill to prevent any issues. “In my opinion, the establishment of this tribunal should include all parties. We do not want any accusations that could tarnish the reputation of any institution in the country.” He said the Quran Minute@Tabika/Taska Kemas initi ative, which was initially carried out as a pilot project, would be expanded to be held daily for five minutes at all Community Development Department kindergar tens nationwide. – Bernama Respect judicial processes, public told KOTA BHARU: The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has called on the public to respect ongoing judicial processes, including the inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir. Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said the department will not tolerate any threats or comments that could intimidate witnesses, such as those received by Dr Jessie Hiu, a pathologist from the Forensic Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital I. “The AGC also views gravely the actions taken against the witness in the Zara Qairina inquest Dr Jessie Hiu, as her testimony is crucial in assisting the Coroner’s Court to reach a just decision and deliver justice for all parties involved.” He was speaking after launching the Sekolah Angkat Madani (Adopted School) programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Gafar yesterday. Earlier yesterday, police arrested a 61-year-old man at about 7am in the compound of the Semporna district police headquarters on suspicion of threatening the pathologist involved in the Zara Qairina inquest. – Bernama

“If the ministry is clearly tasked with leading law reform, it can improve accountability by centralising responsibility. “But if its duties overlap with those of the AGC or the Home Ministry, it risks becoming just another layer of bureaucracy.” He added that a full ministry could boost Malaysia’s regional profile by showing a strong commitment to justice and the rule of law, with a Cabinet-level minister dedicated to legal matters. Tay stressed that the bigger priority is building public trust. “A Law Ministry should pay more attention to public consultation when drafting reforms, instead of rushing Bills through.” He said if properly structured, the move to set up the ministry could become more than just an administrative reshuffle. “I am hopeful that the ministry can not only drive legal reforms but also guide other ministries on how laws should be enforced.”

any person or body. Wan Ahmad Fauzi said any move should be guided by a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis, before Malaysia emulates countries like Singapore and Indonesia, that already have a Law Ministry. Taylor’s University senior law lecturer Dr Wilson T.V. Tay expressed belief that a Law Ministry could strengthen Malaysia’s legal ecosystem if set up with clear boundaries. “Creating such a ministry doesn’t require changes to the Constitution. It will mainly be a reshuffle of responsibilities within the executive branch.” Tay said such a ministry could re-establish a ministerial-level platform for coordinating law reform and innovation, particularly as Malaysia faces the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a shifting global environment. On whether it would bring more transparency, he said it depends on how responsibilities are allocated.

o While some experts warn new entity could duplicate existing roles, others believe it could bring long-needed reforms and boost Malaysia’s standing in region

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Wan Ahmad Fauzi said setting up a new ministry is not the only answer and current bodies could instead be reorganised. “The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and other institutions can be placed under an independent body to look after their needs.” Asked if upgrading the law portfolio under the Prime Minister’s Department to a full ministry would improve accountability, he said it would be better to place it under an independent body. He added that Article 39 of the Federal Constitution allows executive powers to be delegated to

PETALING JAYA: A proposal to create a dedicated Law Ministry has drawn mixed reactions from legal experts. While some experts warn that it could duplicate existing roles, others believe it could push long needed reforms and raise Malaysia’s standing in the region. Constitutional law expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain said the government must first be clear on what the ministry is meant to achieve. “The objectives must be defined properly.”

Azam Baki speaking with

Kampung Terentang

residents at the event yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

MACC to provide updates on high-profile cases

KUALA PILAH: The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) will reveal the latest developments in several high-profile cases tomorrow, including investigations involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, senior officers of Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Maju Expressway Extension Project. MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission would also provide details on cases related to the Ops Sikaro investigation, oil and gas solutions provider Sapura Energy Berhad as well as several other cases under

negative public perception that MACC may be delaying the process. He said most investigations have been expedited, including in terms of preparing investigation papers, adding that many cases have resulted in punitive action such as court prosecutions, fines as well as internal disciplinary measures by the relevant departments. The media previously reported that Ismail Sabri had appeared several times at the MACC headquarters to assist in investigations into corruption and money laundering cases. – Bernama

first week of October.” He was speaking after opening Balai Raya Kampung Terentang in conjunction with the Satu Pemimpin Satu Kampung programme yesterday. In the City Hall case, MACC detained three individuals last month, including a Grade Jusa B senior officer, a company owner and a member of the public, on suspicion of being involved in corruption since 2014. Azam said the commission is working to complete all high-profile investigations promptly to avoid

investigation since last year. On Ops Sikaro, he said investigations were ongoing and a large amount of money obtained through illegal activities has been traced, with MACC officers still conducting analyses as it involves hundreds of accounts. “As for the Kuala Lumpur City Hall related issue, the investigation has been completed. For now, the case has been referred to the public prosecutor for review and recommendation for prosecution in court. I hope charges can be filed at the latest after Malaysia Day or in the