Latest news with #DepartmentLegalAffairsDivision
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Arrest, arrest, arrest' won't fix trust deficit, says governance advocate
PUTRAJAYA: Managing public expectations is crucial for leaders and organisations seeking to rebuild trust, especially in today's highly scrutinised environment, says Media Prima Bhd independent non-executive director Datuk Shireen Ann Zahrah Muhiudeen. Speaking at the 2025 International Conference on Governance and Integrity today, Shireen said that while enforcement and reform efforts are necessary, the way those efforts are communicated to the public is just as important. "The first thing that always comes to mind when there's a trust deficit is the need to manage expectations. For example, what you often see in the media is 'arrest, arrest, arrest'. "People on the street think these people are definitely going to jail. "The possible outcomes must be presented and communicated. There are many levels that need to happen before a decision is finalised." "When people are given context and clarity, it aligns with what they expect, and that's how you start building trust," she said during a panel discussion on institutional trust and leadership. The one-day conference was organised by the Prime Minister's Department Legal Affairs Division. Shireen added that a three-pronged approach involving enforcement, preventive management, and community education is essential in tackling integrity issues. "Community education is key — that's how you shift perceptions. But what's also missing is mutual respect. There needs to be respect between the civil service and the political echelons for the system to work." Shireen was referring to Hong Kong's ethical governance model– one that successfully restored public trust. "In Hong Kong, the stock market has recovered significantly thanks to their reforms in ethical governance. "Creating trust in government entities is a long road for any community." She also cited South Korea as a model, noting its aggressive approach in restoring trust and investor confidence, especially in navigating issues related to family-run conglomerates. South Korea recently changed its Commercial Act to improve corporate governance and rebuild public trust. The new law makes company board members more responsible for protecting minority shareholders, not just big family owners. This move, Shireen explained, is meant to fix the problem known as the "Korea discount". "They've been able to deal with their trust deficit. I admire how bold they are in pushing reforms and attracting capital." Also on the panel was Vienna University of Economics Professor of Sustainability and Business Milda Zilinskaite, who said psychology plays a vital role in identifying effective leadership, particularly in times of crisis. "In a crisis, you need leaders who are effective — not just dominant or outspoken. "Introverts often make excellent leaders but are overlooked because they don't 'emerge' in the usual way. "We need to value qualities like active listening, collaborative thinking, and a shared leadership approach, especially in flatter or more hierarchical organisations where speaking up is often discouraged." Petronas Dagangan Bhd Head of Compliance and Planning Strategy Hafiz Bakri also joined the session. The conference brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, and governance experts to explore strategies for strengthening integrity and good governance.
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Heavier penalties for doxing, stalking, mental harassment as anti-bullying law takes effect
KUALA LUMPUR: The amendments passed by parliament last year to the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2025, both aimed at addressing physical and cyber bullying, came into force today. The Prime Minister's Department Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) said both Acts were passed in the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) on Dec 10, 2024 and in the Dewan Negara (Senate) on Dec 16, 2024 with majority support from members of parliament. BHEUU said the enforcement of both Acts is an ongoing effort by the Madani government to strengthen the country's legal system and to keep pace with current needs and new challenges in the modern criminal landscape. "The implementation of these two Acts is to streamline legal procedures, improve the efficiency of the criminal justice process and allow for faster and stricter action against those who break the law," the BHEUU said in a statement. The amendments to both Acts introduce specific provisions that allow for stricter legal action against bullies in line with the government's commitment to protect society, especially vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents and individuals put under mental harassment by bullies. In addition, the amendments also introduce new sections such as Sections 507B to 507G, which specifically provide for proportionate punishment for offences of threatening, insulting or defamatory communications intended to cause emotional distress or fear to the victim. "It also includes the offence of distributing personal information without permission or doxing, which is now classified as a serious crime and punishable by up to three years in prison," it said. In addition, the introduction of the special provision stems from a review of the shortcomings in existing laws which were found to be insufficient to address various forms of psychological and emotional threats in the increasingly challenging digital environment. The government will also continue to ensure that the enforcement of this law is implemented fairly and equitably without affecting the right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution. "With the implementation of this Act, the Madani government remains committed to ensuring that the country's laws remain relevant and responsive to the challenges of the digital world in the interest of safety, well-being and justice for all Malaysians."
