Latest news with #LegalAffairsDivision
The Star
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Govt to study, engage political parties over PM's two-term limit proposal, says Azalina
KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya is studying a two-term limit for the Prime Minister post, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said this would include discussions with political parties nationwide. She added that a preliminary study report on the proposal had also been presented to the Cabinet on March 19. 'The government is always open and committed to examining any proposals involving improvements to the country's administrative and governance systems, including the proposal to limit the term of the Prime Minister to two parliamentary terms or a maximum of ten years. 'The Cabinet has acknowledged that this proposal involves amendments to the Federal Constitution and touches upon the discretionary powers of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,' she said in a parliamentary written reply to Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang). Hassan had asked the government to state the when will it table the amendment of the Federal Constitution to limit the prime minister's term. Azalina said that the amendment requires a thorough and holistic review, including obtaining views and consent from various stakeholders such as state governments and political parties at both Federal and State levels. She added that the matters are also still being reviewed by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department (BHEUU JPM). In March, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he agreed with a proposal to limit the tenure to 10 years. He highlighted the need for bipartisan support to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority for constitutional amendments.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Govt considers abolishing articled clerk route for lawyers
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is reviewing a proposal from the Legal Profession Qualifying Board to abolish a provision in the Legal Profession Act 1976 that allows for the admission of lawyers via the articled clerk route. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran told the Dewan Rakyat that the proposal, submitted to the government in March this year, is still under consideration by the Legal Affairs Division. An articled clerkship allows individuals without formal law degrees to qualify as lawyers through supervised training and examinations under the Legal Profession Act 1976. Kulasegaran also cited several justifications, including a sharp decline in applications over the years, as one of the reasons for the suggestion to abolish the provision. "Based on record, only 36 individuals applied to register as articled clerks between 1979 and 2024. "Meanwhile, only 17 people have been called to the Bar through this route, with the last admission taking place in 1992. "The proposal is still under review by the division before any decision is made by the government regarding the matter," he said during a question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He also said since the articled clerkship pathway was discontinued in 1995, there is currently no infrastructure in place to conduct articled clerk courses. He was responding to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) who enquired why the board has not carried out its statutory functions, particularly in conducting instructional courses and regulating the training and education of articled clerks. Commenting further, Kulasegaran said similar pathways no longer exist in other common law jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia strengthens whistleblower protection with new legal amendments
PUTRAJAYA: The Whistleblower Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed unanimously in the Dewan Rakyat, represents a significant step in Malaysia's efforts to promote integrity and combat corruption. The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) hailed the amendments as a crucial development under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028. According to BHEUU, the updated law aims to encourage more individuals to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. 'The MADANI government remains committed to rejecting all forms of intimidation against whistleblowers and will continue to strengthen protection policies to build a more transparent, accountable and corruption-free Malaysia,' the agency stated. Key reforms include the formation of a Whistleblower Protection Committee to oversee implementation and the removal of legal loopholes that previously allowed protection for corrupt acts. 'This principle is crucial to ensure that any misconduct or harmful action occurring in the public or private sector can be exposed, provided the disclosure is made responsibly and in accordance with the stipulated conditions,' BHEUU explained. Additional safeguards extend protection through the Witness Protection Programme for those facing threats after reporting wrongdoing. The amendments also introduce Section 11(1A), granting enforcement agencies discretion to maintain or revoke protection based on public interest. 'These amendments are vital in allowing for the revocation of protection if a whistleblower is found to have participated in the misconduct in question,' the statement added. BHEUU expressed gratitude to lawmakers, stakeholders, and civil society for their contributions in shaping the reforms. The amendments are expected to reinforce public trust in governance while ensuring accountability across sectors. – Bernama
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MACC pushes for global anti-graft cooperation, policy reforms
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) shared its strategic approach to combating large-scale corruption at Malaysia's International Conference on Governance and Integrity (MICGI) 2025, held here on Tuesday. The commission said its Special Operations Division senior director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, outlined several strategies including intelligence gathering through technology, forensic evidence collection, and asset recovery involving misappropriated funds transferred abroad. During the conference, he highlighted the threats of cyber corruption and money laundering through cryptocurrency, and stressed the need to strengthen the seizure of digital assets. "He also emphasised the importance of policy reforms, the establishment of domestic and international special task forces, as well as the implementation of Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009, which introduces corporate liability for organisations," it said in a statement today. It said Mohamad Zamri also underscored the need to enhance enforcement against foreign bribery to safeguard national sovereignty and the integrity of Malaysian businesses at the global level. "The MACC's aggressive efforts in fighting corruption through the government's whole-of-government approach contribute to financial security, investor confidence, and the preservation of the nation's reputation. "Through this conference, the MACC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening integrity, tackling large-scale corruption, and expanding international cooperation in the interest of national sovereignty and economic growth," the statement added. The international conference was organised by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department, in collaboration with the International Anti-Corruption Academy and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The event, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was attended by MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki. – Bernama
The Sun
15-07-2025
- 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.
