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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Madani legal reform gains momentum with key bills and motions passed
KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government's legal and institutional reform agenda continues to gain momentum, with five bills and two key motions passed in the first week of the Dewan Rakyat sitting. It included amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 and the introduction of community service penalties for minor littering offences. The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, drafted to expand protection for whistleblowers and strengthen mechanisms for reporting misconduct, was passed by a majority voice vote following debate by 24 members of parliament. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who tabled the Bill, reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing whistleblower protection as part of its anti-corruption efforts and drive to improve public and private sector integrity. She said that although the Act has been in force for over a decade, it still contains weaknesses that need to be addressed. Also drawing attention during this week's Dewan Rakyat proceedings were the passage of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Streets, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at improving public cleanliness. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the amendments seek to address the issue of minor littering, including cigarette butts, tissues, plastic, drink cans, and food wrappers, in public spaces and roads by introducing community service orders as an additional penalty to existing fines. Nga said the move is crucial to instill civic responsibility, raise public awareness and cultivate a culture of cleanliness, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable Malaysia for the well-being of its people. Also passed was the Consumer Credit (Finance) Bill 2025, which was formulated to address significant gaps in the currently unregulated sector, particularly among businesses targeting vulnerable credit consumers who are susceptible to exploitation. This week's sitting also saw the tabling of four bills for first reading, the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Compulsory Attendance of Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Fees (Pengkalan Kubor Ferry) (Validation) Bill 2025. In addition, the Dewan Rakyat approved two motions: the Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) 2/2025 on the Activities of Federal Ministries, Departments, Statutory Bodies and Government-linked Companies; and the 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). The approval of both motions reflects the Madani government's commitment to transparency and accountability in ensuring sound public financial governance and respect for human rights, thereby reinforcing public confidence in government institutions through transparent reporting and comprehensive auditing. Several MPs who participated in the debate on the LKAN 2/2025 commended the government's openness in tabling the report, describing it as a progressive step that allows elected representatives to scrutinise audit findings and propose constructive improvements. Separately, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the tabling and debate of Suhakam's Annual Report marked an important democratic tradition, as it provides a platform for MPs to review the state of human rights in the country and propose policy and implementation reforms. Also drawing attention this week was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's firm stance on Malaysia's unchanged position regarding the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, including Iran. During Minister's Question Time, Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia's position remains steadfast, even in the face of potential pressure or objections from the United States during ongoing tariff negotiations, which are expected to continue through August. The Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament will continue for 24 days until Aug 28. – Bernama
Sinar Daily
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Calls grow for judicial reforms to avoid future appointment disputes
SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian government's recent move to enhance transparency in the appointment of superior court judges has been welcomed as a critical step to prevent recurring disputes in the judicial system. Lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla said this was the right direction forward and emphasised the need for continued efforts to review and strengthen the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009, along with judicial appointment and promotion procedures. "This is a positive sign because everyone knows that the concept of appointing and promoting judges needs to be thoroughly reviewed and refined to avoid becoming a future issue. "The current vacancies in the positions of Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal are also the main concerns," he told Sinar. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had earlier assured the public that the unity government was aware of the concerns raised through the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence.' She said the government would address the issue responsibly and transparently in accordance with the Federal Constitution. Azalina also announced that a Comparative Study of Judicial Appointment Systems is being carried out by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) under the Prime Minister's Department, in collaboration with Special Select Committees from the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat. To ensure long-term reform, Haniff proposed the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry, with royal consent, to evaluate the system in-depth. "Appoint commissioners to be part of it with terms of reference that they wish to study and then give them time around nine to twelve months to conduct the study and provide recommendations. "The main weakness in the judicial appointment process, as I see it, lies within the JAC itself, because it needs to be fully recognised under the Federal Constitution. Currently, there is no full recognition under Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. "Article 122B states that four parties are involved in the appointment of judges, namely the Prime Minister, the Agong and the Conference of Rulers. Before the Prime Minister presents names to the Conference of Rulers, he may consult the Chief Justice. "The JAC, on the other hand, only plays an advisory role to the Prime Minister and its recommendations are not constitutionally binding under Article 122B, so the Prime Minister is not obligated to follow them," he said. Haniff also declined to comment on a proposed judicial tribunal discussed during a meeting between Pakatan Harapan MPs and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, saying the issue was not timely. In a separate view, constitutional expert Associate Professor Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain pointed out that judicial appointments were already covered within the Federal Constitution and should not be sensationalised. He said if the Chief Justice post becomes vacant, the President of the Court of Appeal is constitutionally authorised to take over the duties. If that role is also vacant, the Chief Judge of Malaya can assume the responsibilities. "The problem arises when this issue is polemicised by parties with vested interests. Generally, there are three groups voicing out on the appointment of the Chief Justice. The first are those who want Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's term to be extended because they believe her decisions have favoured their interests. "Secondly, there are those who want to take advantage of the situation for political gain and thirdly, perhaps a small group that wishes for the appointment of judges by the Agong, in consultation with the Conference of Rulers, to no longer follow the advice of the Prime Minister, but instead be based on the recommendation of an independent commission," he said.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
PM Anwar chairs 146th Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers meeting
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim chaired the 146th Meeting of Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers today, reinforcing the importance of federal-state collaboration in policy coordination and development initiatives. The meeting, held in Putrajaya, aimed to streamline efforts for Malaysia's inclusive progress. In a Facebook post, Anwar emphasised the meeting's role in strengthening cooperation between federal and state governments. 'Through this synergy, we can ensure the smooth, comprehensive and inclusive implementation of the national development agenda for the well-being of the people and the overall progress of Malaysia,' he said. Key attendees included Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The discussions focused on aligning state and federal policies to accelerate socio-economic development while addressing regional disparities. The meeting underscored the government's commitment to ensuring balanced growth across all states. - Bernama
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson received H.E. Mr. Youssouf Mondoha Assoumani, Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros
H.E. @ymahmoudali, Chairperson of the AU Commission, received H.E. Mr. Youssouf Mondoha Assoumani, Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros to Ethiopia&Permanent Representative to the AU. Ambassador Assoumani conveyed a message of congratulations to the Chairperson on his leadership&reiterated the Comorian Government's support for the Commission's mandate. He also shared perspectives on the AU's institutional reform agenda&the SACA process. The Chairperson expressed appreciation for the Amb. Assoumani engagement at the AU&reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to working closely with all Member States in pursuit of the Union's shared goals. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
