‘Ruling govt leads in legal reforms'
KUALA LUMPUR: A record number of legal reforms have been introduced over the past two and a half years by this government, unmatched by any other administration since the country's Independence in 1957, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the legislation includes the proposed separation of roles of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, which is expected to be tabled to the Cabinet by the end of the month.
While the implementation of such reforms will take some time, Anwar added that several long-standing issues have been addressed.
'We have the Ombudsman Bill 2025, the Admiralty Jurisdiction Bill 2025, and the Cybercrime Bill 2025,' he listed, in response to a question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) during the Minister's Question Time.
Rosol had asked the Prime Minister to list down laws that are considered outdated, which will be amended or repealed to ensure they are in line with the spirit and principles of reform that were previously championed, as well as the timeline for their implementation.
Anwar said numerous long-delayed laws and amendments had been tabled and passed, including the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, the Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalties Act 2023, and amendments to laws involving sexual offences against children.
He said five new Acts were introduced while 34 Acts were amended in 2023, while in 2024, five new Acts were introduced and 57 Acts were amended.
'This year, so far, we have introduced four new Acts, six amended Acts, two new Bills and 11 Bills currently being amended,' he said. This brings the total to 23, including two constitutional amendments, one related to citizenship while the other is the Parliamentary Services Act,' he explained.
The government, the Prime Minister said, was prepared to strengthen the anti-party hopping law to ensure it serves the purpose for which it was enacted.
'I will support efforts to strengthen it,' he said to a supplementary question from Rosol.
On a separate matter, Anwar said he will wait for the outcome of the Malaysian Anti-Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) probe before deciding to apologise to Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN-Pagoh) over the RON95 fuel subsidy issue.
Anwar, however, said he did not instruct MCMC to investigate Muhyiddin but wanted MCMC to verify the authenticity of the claims' sources.
In the Dewan Rakyat last week, Muhyiddin demanded an apology from Anwar for accusing him of defending foreigners over the RON95 targeted subsidy initiative.
On the issue of legal immunity, the Prime Minister explained that his application to refer eight legal questions to the Federal Court was regarding the interpretation of whether an action against the Prime Minister could be considered frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of process.
'Immunity means that it cannot be disputed. The application is for the court to decide in cases whether it is possible for anyone to attack the Prime Minister in a frivolous and vexatious manner that interferes with our field of work.
'That is what the application is all about, and it is up to the court. The court makes the decision, not the Prime Minister,' he said in reply to Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), who sought explanation on the allegation that Anwar was applying for legal immunity from civil and criminal cases in court.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
PM: Act against rabble-rousers
Lauding good governance: Anwar (centre), with other Cabinet members and civil servants waving the Jalur Gemilang after the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. — Bernama PUTRAJAYA: All threats to national security, whether driven by racism, religious bigotry or political opportunism, will not be tolerated, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Extreme attitudes and arrogance as well as discriminatory behaviour based on race, lineage or skin colour, must be stopped immediately, the Prime Minister declared, adding that he has directed government agencies to take firm action. 'I have given clear instructions to enforcement bodies: if there are any elements – whether prominent figures, politicians, community leaders or ordinary citizens – engaged in threats or incitement, take action. 'The country's safety and peace must be preserved, regardless of race, religion, wealth or status.' Recent incidents, including cases of racial and religious tensions, bullying in schools and workplaces, and the deaths of students, have all been worrying. These instances, he said, must be properly addressed by enforcement bodies, educators, parents and the public. 'This is not something that can be solved through policy announcements or enforcement alone. 'It must come from the people's awareness that we are building a nation with strong economic growth alongside high moral values,' Anwar said in his speech at the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly here yesterday. Citing as examples the death of schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir in Sabah and the improper handling of the national flag, he warned against exploiting such issues to inflame political sentiments. Anwar also underscored the need for investigations to be conducted promptly, transparently and fairly, without public prejudgment. 'If you follow the law and are willing to act, you can keep your position. 'If you can't, we will replace you with someone principled and courageous. 'This is not a popularity contest. This is about saving the nation,' he added. The Prime Minister warned against both the 'tyranny of the majority' and the 'tyranny of the minority,' reiterating his government's policy of zero tolerance of racism and religious bigotry. He said Malaysia's reputation as a peaceful nation capable of contributing to regional and international peace efforts depends on upholding justice and the rule of law.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Financial boost soon for Armed Forces, civil servants
PUTRAJAYA: Improvements to the Armed Forces service scheme and financial incentives to those who pursue further studies at their own expense are among new initiatives announced by the Prime Minister to strengthen the civil service. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government has agreed to extend the performance-based incentive payment (BIP) scheme to cover more ranks in the Armed Forces. He said the scheme, currently limited to Warrant Officer II (Grade Z6) and Warrant Officer I (Grade Z7) who have served at least six years in their current grade, will now include those holding the rank of Sergeant or equivalent (Grade Z4) and Staff Sergeant or equivalent (Grade Z5). He said the qualifying service period for BIP in Grades Z4 to Z7 will be shortened from six years to four years. 'This expansion will benefit 3,789 personnel, with an annual financial implication of RM6.47mil, effective Jan 1, 2026,' he said at the 20th Civil Service Premier Assembly. The Prime Minister also announced the expansion of seven multi-entry qualifications for enlisted members of the armed forces at Grade Z1 (special duties) service scheme to include the medical corps, religious corps and engineering corps. The Prime Minister also announced an allocation of RM75.7mil to provide a one-off financial incentive to civil servants who begin and complete higher academic qualifications during their service, using their own funds. Under the Academic Recognition Award, the incentive amounts are set at RM1,250 for a doctorate, RM1,000 for a master's degree, RM750 for a bachelor's degree, and RM500 for a diploma or equivalent qualification. 'Those who take the initiative to study on their own, we are giving them a small token of appreciation, even though the budget involves RM75.7mil. Imagine reducing allowances for their spouse just to pay tuition fees. 'This will benefit 91,672 civil servants. It is given once in their career, showing that we encourage them to improve their capabilities on their own initiative,' he said. To further strengthen the National Institute of Public Administration's position as a regional and global centre of excellence in public service, the Prime Minister announced an allocation of RM3mil for research and development, focusing on capacity building in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and post-quantum cryptography, among others. In another move aimed at easing the process for Muslim civil servants to perform the haj, Anwar announced the removal of the service confirmation requirement for permanent appointees. When met at the event, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan commended the initiative, saying that while government scholarships are available, the number of available spots is limited. 'Some officers pay for their own diploma, bachelor's degree, master's or PhD. 'Now, those eligible will receive this one-off payment, and we will begin processing it soon,' he said.
![[UPDATED] Govt allocates RM3mil for Intan to become regional centre of excellence](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F150825_ANWAR_IBRAHIM_1755248212.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Govt allocates RM3mil for Intan to become regional centre of excellence](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Govt allocates RM3mil for Intan to become regional centre of excellence
PUTRAJAYA: The government has allocated RM3 million to strengthen the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) as a centre of excellence for public service in the Asian region and globally. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this includes a research and development (R&D) fund of RM1 million to enhance the capacity and capability of public officers in service delivery, particularly in new focus areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Another RM1 million in R&D funding will be allocated to boost Intan's capability as a reference centre in governance and best values, human capital development, organisational management, service delivery, and best practices in public–private collaboration. The remaining RM1 million will support R&D for the publication and implementation of the Intan Country Report, similar to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and World Bank Reports, for the nation's public service. Anwar also announced that the APEL.Q @ Intan initiative, which was approved under the 2025 Budget, will continue in 2026 with an allocation of RM1.5 million.
