Putrajaya eyes dedicated Law Ministry to boost regional role
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal would bring greater coherence to the country's legal ecosystem, while also enabling Malaysia to engage more effectively with its neighbours in advancing the rule of law.
"We are seriously considering the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Law – a step that would not only ensure greater coherence in our national legal ecosystem but also enable Malaysia to engage more meaningfully with our regional partners in advancing the rule of law.
"By aligning ourselves with the best practices of our neighbours, Malaysia will be better placed to shape a more just and responsive regional order," he said.
He made these remarks during 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.
Anwar said inclusivity and sustainability had been chosen as the central theme of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, stressing that inclusivity means the law must serve every individual, every community, and every generation.
"Unity in Asean does not demand uniformity. Our diversity is our strength. Each of our nations carries its own legal traditions, cultural values, and historical experiences, yet these differences enrich rather than divide us.
"Legal pluralism can thrive within a shared framework anchored in justice, respect, and good governance. What binds us together is not sameness, but a collective will to ensure that our systems work in harmony for the greater good of our peoples.
"And, if we are to uphold this shared framework, then each nation must also summon the resolve to strengthen its own legal foundations, for only strong pillars at home can sustain a resilient edifice abroad."
He added that Asean must continue to invest in mutual legal assistance, strengthen mechanisms for dispute resolution, and confront new challenges posed by digital governance and the regulation of artificial intelligence.
"These are not abstract reforms. They are acts of trust-building, of ensuring that Asean remains relevant and resilient in a rapidly changing world."
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