Latest news with #LawandInstitutionalReform
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
M'sia committed to eradicating graft: PM
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is eyeing a spot among the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2033, as part of a long-term national strategy to boost integrity and curb graft. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the target reflects the government's firm resolve to eradicate corruption, calling it not only a moral imperative but also a critical driver for inclusive and sustainable economic development. 'Corruption remains one of the most damaging threats to national progress, distorting fair competition, deterring investment and diverting funds away from essential sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare,' he said at Malaysia's International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025. He added that corruption also inflates the cost of doing business, stifles innovation and creates an uneven playing field that disadvantages ethical businesses. Anwar said the government is adopting a whole-of-nation approach in its anti-corruption efforts, guided by the principles of sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust. 'Our promise to end corruption is absolute.' He also emphasised that the problem is not confined to the public sector, urging corporate leaders to take responsibility and lead by example. 'We commend companies and business leaders who have taken the Corporate Integrity Pledge. 'We urge all businesses, especially SMEs, to embrace strong governance practices and help us build a national culture of integrity.' Anwar cited Malaysia's economic momentum, including the 4.4% GDP growth recorded in the first quarter of 2025, as evidence that clean governance and economic prosperity go hand in hand. 'An unwavering commitment to integrity will enhance our competitiveness, foster a dynamic business environment and ensure inclusive growth, especially for youth and marginalised communities.' Also present at the conference was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said who said Malaysia's anti-corruption efforts are firmly anchored in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and aligned with global standards. 'These efforts are not just symbolic – they are structured to show Malaysians and the international community that Malaysia is walking the talk when it comes to transparency, accountability and the rule of law. 'This conference allows us to explore emerging tools like artificial intelligence in the fight against corruption, strengthen public-private partnerships for corporate integrity and re-centre the role of ethical leadership in rebuilding public trust.' She also highlighted the ongoing reform initiatives under the Legal Affairs Division, including the introduction of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025 which seeks to restore democratic functions and institutional independence. 'These are not small steps. They are bold strides toward a more resilient and transparent Malaysia,' she said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Govt to review JAC Act for clarity on judicial appointments
PUTRAJAYA: The government will reassess the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 following public uncertainty surrounding the recent Chief Justice appointment. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said confirmed a special committee will be formed to examine the law. The committee will include members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, alongside constitutional experts, legal practitioners, and academics. Azalina highlighted the need for improvements, noting that while the JAC has overseen the appointment of five Chief Justices since 2009 without issue, recent confusion has prompted a review. 'We have to improve because what is happening now is that there is a lot of confusion. (There's) no clarity from the public perspective. But then this particular JAC, which was passed and established in 2009, is responsible for the appointment of five Chief Justices. It has never been an issue,' she told reporters after attending the International Conference on Integrity and Governance. Azalina clarified that the JAC's role is advisory, not binding. The commission screens, assesses, and recommends candidates to the Prime Minister, but final appointments must align with Article 122B of the Federal Constitution. – Bernama
Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Govt to review JAC Act for improvements
The government will review the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 amid public confusion over the recent chief justice appointment process. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said a special committee will be established, comprising members of the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara, as well as constitutional experts, legal practitioners, and academics.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Fighting corruption boosts economic growth, ensures national harmony, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: The fight against corruption is not only a moral imperative, but also a driver of strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic development, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the Malaysia International Conference on Governance and Integrity 2025 here on Tuesday (July 15), the Prime Minister emphasised that corruption in all its insidious forms poses a serious threat to economic progress and national harmony. "It inflates the cost of doing business, distorts fair competition, stifles innovation, and deters both domestic and foreign investment. "Corruption diverts public funds from essential sectors such as critical infrastructure, quality education, and accessible healthcare,' he said. Anwar said corruption creates an uneven playing field, disadvantages ethical businesses and hindering the equitable distribution of economic benefits. Furthermore, it often leads to short-sighted decisions that exploit the country's national resources without regard for future generations, he said. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. Anwar said the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility that requires courage, integrity, and active participation of all segments of society. "I used to assume, at least when I was in your position as 'rakyat' (members of the public), that it was an easy task (to fight corruption). Now I realise it is a tough, challenging and formidable task. "It's not necessarily popular, particularly when you start probing into big tycoons and extremely wealthy political leaders. But we must remain determined because the action must involve every segment of society with the courage to stand together, to defend transparency, fairness and justice. He said that the government is tackling corruption head-on, guided by the principles of sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust. "We have a very effective anti-corruption commission that is determined to act decisively and give a clear message that there is zero tolerance for corruption in this country. "Even though this is my dream, I want to make sure that this country, within a few years, emerges as one of the most dynamic emerging economies that is strong, committed, and free from corruption. "Our promise to end corruption is absolute, to bring back integrity to our institutions, protect public interests, and rebuild public trust," he said. Anwar emphasised that the effort to combat corruption becomes even more important as Malaysia assumes on the Asean Chairmanship this year, with its focus to boost economic development across the region, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. "We believe that an unwavering commitment to combating corruption will enhance national and regional competitiveness, foster a dynamic business environment, and ensure inclusive economic growth that reaches all segments of society, especially youth, minorities, and marginalised communities,' he said. He cited Malaysia's progress on the Corruption Perceptions Index as a key benchmark, reaffirming the National Anti-Corruption Strategy's target to position the country among the world's top 25 least corrupt nations by 2033.- Bernama
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Government mulls amending JAC Act to prevent confusion over judges' appointments
PUTRAJAYA: The government will look into amending the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) Act 2009 to prevent confusion in the process of appointing judges in the country. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that since the Act came into force in 2009, there had never been any confusion surrounding the procedure for judicial appointments. "It must be remembered that the JAC Act was passed and gazetted in 2009 and has been applied in the appointments of five Chief Justices without issue. "Unfortunately, it has now become a matter of contention. As such, we need to conduct a thorough review. "We need to improve the Act because there is currently a lot of confusion and a lack of clarity from the public's perspective," she said when met at the closing ceremony of the International Governance and Integrity Conference 2025 here today. Present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Azalina added that the amendments were necessary to identify the root cause of the confusion in the judicial appointment process. "Where does this confusion or lack of clarity stem from? Is it from the process itself or the terminology used, for example, the name Judicial Appointments Commission itself? "Perhaps the word 'appointments' creates certain perceptions; I am not sure. As such, we need to conduct a study," she said. She said her ministry would gather views from experts to ensure a comprehensive discussion could be carried out. "There will be a comprehensive discussion. I have also invited the Bar Council to be involved from the early stages, to provide balanced perspectives and views. "After that, I will bring the matter to the cabinet meeting to decide on the direction we should take," she said.
