Latest news with #SheilaRamalingam
Barnama
4 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
- Malaysia's Climate Obligations Can No Longer Wait
15/08/2025 04:13 PM Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. By : Dr Sheila Ramalingam On 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark Advisory Opinion affirming that States have clear legal obligations under international law to address climate change. These obligations include preventing significant environmental harm, cooperating internationally, and upholding fundamental human rights, including the right to life, health, and a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment not just for current, but also for future generations. This Advisory Opinion builds upon existing commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ('UNFCCC') and the Paris Agreement, making it clear that these are not just moral aspirations but legally binding standards that require States to act with due diligence and ambition. The ICJ also noted that climate change disproportionately affects the poor, indigenous communities, women, and youth, and reaffirmed that States cannot ignore these risks without legal consequence. In this context, Malaysia's efforts to date reflect progress but remain insufficient. While we have adopted policy-level frameworks such as the National Policy on Climate Change 2.0 (NPCC 2.0) and the National Energy Policy 2022-2040, these important documents do not carry legal force and lack binding targets or enforcement mechanisms. Their success ultimately depends on complementary legislation that ensures coherence, accountability, and implementation across sectors. Meanwhile, our existing environmental laws such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Renewable Energy Act 2011 are outdated and insufficient, lacking any explicit integration of climate change mitigation or adaptation obligations. There have been recent legislative developments worth noting. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2024 introduces important requirements for large energy consumers and the public sector to optimise energy use, while the proposed Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Bill 2025 signals an encouraging step towards industrial decarbonisation. However, these laws are sector-specific and operate in silos. The ICJ has made it clear that States must take domestic action sufficient to realise their Nationally Determined Contributions ('NDCs') under the Paris Agreement, and do so with transparency, urgency, and long-term planning. Translating intent into enforceable law At present, Malaysia has no legal mechanism to monitor, verify, or enforce its NDCs. Without such a mechanism, we risk falling short of our international obligations and delaying the structural transformations urgently needed. That said, Malaysia has the policy foundation, technical expertise, and institutional capacity to lead. The next logical and necessary step is to translate this intent into enforceable law. A comprehensive Climate Change Act would not only enhance policy coherence and accountability but also reinforce investor confidence, enable just transitions, and protect vulnerable communities from the adverse impacts of climate change. In this regard, there was a proposed framework for a Climate Change Act. However, there is limited public information about its scope, timeline, or current status. In light of the ICJ's Advisory Opinion, it is imperative that this proposal be reviewed, finalised, and prioritised. What is urgently needed is an overarching Climate Change Act, a legislative framework that integrates adaptation and mitigation strategies, mandates periodic carbon budgeting, ensures independent oversight, and holds all sectors to account for emission reduction goals through climate accountability mechanisms. Such an Act would harmonise Malaysia's international commitments with domestic action, in line with global best practices and recent judicial pronouncements. A strong, science-based and legally enforceable framework is not just timely, but necessary, to ensure Malaysia's compliance with its duties under international law and to avoid future liability. The government is respectfully urged to prioritise this critical legislation. Climate action is now a matter of legal obligation, and Malaysia cannot afford to wait. -- BERNAMA Dr Sheila Ramalingam is the Deputy Executive Director of UMLEAD, International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA), and Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of BERNAMA)
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
- Why We Need Leadership With Integrity
14/05/2025 10:50 AM Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. By : Sheila Ramalingam Alexander the Great of Macedonia, who reigned from 356 to 323 BC, was known to have said, 'I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.' From ancient times, through the wisdom of Plato to Sun Tzu, the importance of leadership has been widely acknowledged. In today's modern world, leadership is no longer confined to government institutions or political figures. It permeates every level of society, from corporate boardrooms to academic institutions, from grassroots organisations to small teams working on a shared goal. Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, and make decisions that impact others. Whether it is a CEO determining a company's future, a community leader advocating for change, or a project manager steering a team toward success, leadership is universal. It is not about titles or positions but rather about the values and principles that guide a person's actions. One crucial element that distinguishes effective leaders from ineffective ones is integrity. Integrity in leadership is deeply intertwined with morality and accountability. It is the ability to do what is right, even in the absence of oversight. A person is not born with an unshakable moral compass; instead, ethical leadership is cultivated through learning, mentorship, and experience. Without integrity, leadership becomes self-serving, leading to broken trust, corruption, and long-term damage to organisations and societies. Ethical Leaders Contribute to Well-being of Communities Strong leadership is essential in both the private and public sectors. A leader who upholds principles and purpose fosters trust, encourages collaboration, and ensures sustainable success. Without these qualities, businesses, institutions, and even entire industries can fall prey to unethical practices, damaging reputations and economic stability. Leaders who prioritise ethical values contribute not only to the growth of their organisations but also to the well-being of the communities they serve. The benefits of such leadership include: Ethical Decision-Making: Leaders who act with integrity ensure that their decisions reflect ethical standards, fostering trust among employees, customers, and stakeholders. Long-Term Success: Ethical leaders prioritise sustainable growth over short-term gains, focusing on long-term strategies that benefit employees, the environment, and society. Employee Engagement and Retention: People are more committed when they work for leaders who demonstrate fairness, respect, and consistency, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. Reputation Management: In an era of increasing transparency, businesses and institutions must be held accountable for their actions. Ethical leadership helps prevent scandals, legal issues, and public backlash. Attracting Investment: Investors and stakeholders are more likely to support entities led by trustworthy leaders who uphold ethical governance and responsible management practices. Adaptability and Resilience: Leaders who foster a culture of accountability and problem-solving build organisations that can withstand crises and maintain a competitive edge. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Ethical leadership encourages organisations to take responsibility for their social and environmental impact, strengthening relationships with communities and driving positive societal change. Leadership is not about power; it is about influence. True leaders uplift those around them, create opportunities for growth, and build environments where integrity thrives. In every sphere of life, from businesses to communities, ethical leadership is the driving force behind meaningful progress. By nurturing principled leaders, we create stronger, more resilient organisations and, ultimately, a better society for all. As the world evolves, the demand for leaders who act with purpose and integrity will only grow, because true leadership is not about holding power, but about leaving behind a legacy that uplifts, inspires, and endures. -- BERNAMA Sheila Ramalingam ( is the Deputy Executive Director at Universiti Malaya Centre of Leadership and Professional Development (UM LEAD), and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of BERNAMA)
