Latest news with #legalreform
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Malaysian legal reforms earn global nod at Tashkent forum, says Azalina
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — The international community, especially the world's legal community, has recognised the efforts and initiatives for legal and institutional reforms that have been diligently implemented by the Madani Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the recognition was clear when she was given the honour to deliver her views and explanations regarding the legal reform efforts that have and are being implemented by the Madani Government in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. In a post on Facebook, Azalina said views and explanations related to digitalisation and the latest era of technology with the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), were raised and delivered during the plenary session of the Tashkent Law Spring International Legal Forum 2025, themed 'The Age of Digital Technologies: A Legal Perspective of the Future'. 'In that session, I shared the stage with international experts including ministers of justice and digital from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Russia, as well as several experts from world-renowned bodies,' she said in the post. Azalina said she is currently in Tashkent on an official visit at the invitation of Uzbekistan's Justice Minister Akbar Tashkulov to attend the forum. — Bernama
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs bills to lower auto insurance rates
BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a sweeping package of auto insurance reform bills Wednesday, promising to lower the cost of coverage in Louisiana by cracking down on what he calls 'frivolous lawsuits' and strengthening oversight of the insurance industry. Landry called the new auto insurance laws 'the largest tort reform package, and effort made in the history of the state.' He said the goal was to take a measured approach by holding both insurers and litigants accountable for rising costs. The signing came a week after Landry flexed his political muscle and forced one of the key bills through the Senate in a late-night vote. The bill, House Bill 148, gives Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple more authority to reject 'excessive' rate increases — power that Temple says he does not need. Temple has downplayed the idea that Louisiana's high premiums stem from weak regulatory power, instead pointing to legal abuse and a high number of minor injury claims. 'It's a false claim that rates are high because the commissioner doesn't have some magical power,' Temple said. 'The problem in Louisiana is bodily injury claims and the legal system that encourages them.' An amendment added by the governor's supporters also requires insurance companies to make their rate filings public, a move some in the industry say could expose trade secrets. Landry defended the change by pointing out that insurance commissioners in other Southern states, including Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida and others, have the power to reject excessive rate hikes. Budget passes: Louisiana House committee passes budget that closes $200 million shortfall without raising taxes Sports gambling: Louisiana House lowers proposed tax increase on online sports betting TOPS reform:: TOPS tweaks trouble cofounder Taylor: 'Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water' He said HB148 brings Louisiana in line with our neighboring states and gives the Insurance Department more tools to protect consumers. Auto insurance has been one of the most important — and contentious — issues in this spring's legislative session. Political analysts say rising car insurance rates could pose a problem for Landry in a re-election campaign. Landry has repeatedly said he plans to hold Temple accountable if rates do not drop under the new law. In the past, legislators have blamed plaintiff's lawyers and focused almost entirely on tort reform, claiming that caps on big court judgments would bring down auto insurance rates. But premiums have continued to increase, and Landry contended that greater oversight of premium rates is also needed. Landry opened his news conference Wednesday by reflecting on last year's efforts to reform home and property insurance in Louisiana. He acknowledged criticism for not accepting the entire package of legislative proposals at that time and pointed to another Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, who did that in Florida. 'Today Floridians are struggling, and their legislature is trying to roll back some of those recommendations,' Landry said, using the example to explain why Louisiana is taking a more measured path. While Temple expressed skepticism about the need for HB148, he has supported the rest of the package, saying the legal reforms are necessary to stabilize the insurance market and bring rates down. Landry referenced a report commissioned by the Legislature that included tort reform recommendations insurers said would lower rates. 'Still hopeful that by the end of the session, we will sign even more of those industry-specific recommendations that insurance companies asked for, and more importantly predicted, would lower rates,' Landry said. Other bills in the package that the governor signed target who can file lawsuits, how much they can recover and what jurors can consider in injury cases: House Bill 434 raises the minimum threshold of medical costs that uninsured drivers must meet to claim medical expenses in court, from $15,000 to $100,000. House Bill 450 requires plaintiffs to prove their injuries were directly caused by the crash in question. House Bill 431 bars drivers found at least 51% responsible for a crash from collecting any damages. Currently, they can recover damages for the remaining 49%. Landry said business groups have long supported this change. House Bill 436, a controversial measure, prohibits undocumented immigrants injured in car accidents from collecting compensation for general damages. Senate Bill 231 allows jurors to consider the actual amounts paid for medical care, rather than the often-inflated billed amounts, in personal injury cases. House Bill 549 mandates a 5% insurance premium discount for commercial vehicles with dashboard cameras. 'Having undisputed video evidence will reduce litigation, improve truck driver safety, and lower costs for everyone,' Landry said. With bipartisan backing on several of the bills, Landry said the changes mark a major step toward improving Louisiana's insurance climate and restoring fairness in the system. 'Over the last 50 days, the only side I and the legislators who supported this package of bills have been on is the people,' Landry said. 'Our people are too good to be taken advantage of again and again.' This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signs auto insurance reform bills
Arab News
4 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Pakistan Council of Islamic Ideology declares bill to criminalize child marriages ‘un-Islamic'
ISLAMABAD: A constitutional council that advises the Pakistani government on the compatibility of laws with Islam has this week declared a landmark bill to criminalize child marriages in the federal capital of Islamabad as being 'un-Islamic.' The National Assembly on Friday unanimously passed the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill to curb child marriages and protect girls from becoming mothers in their teens. The bill, tabled by MNA Sharmila Faruqui, will be signed into law by the president in the coming days and replace legislation introduced during British colonial rule. Under the new law, the minimum age for marriage is 18 for both men and women in Islamabad where underage marriage will now be considered a criminal offense. Previously, the minimum age was 16 for girls and 18 for boys. Up to seven years in prison has been introduced among other punishments for people, including family members, clerics and registrars, who facilitate or coerce children into early marriage. Any sexual relations within a marriage involving a minor, with or without consent, will be deemed statutory rape, while an adult man found to have married a girl could face up to three years in prison. 'The bill introduced by Madam Sharmila Faruqi … has been declared un-Islamic,' the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) said in a statement issued by its media wing after the body held its 243rd session on May 27–28 at its headquarters in Islamabad. Clauses of the bill, such as fixing the age limit for marriage and declaring marriage below the age of 18 as child abuse and punishable, do not conform with Islamic injunctions, the CII said. In Pakistan, 29 percent of girls are married by 18 , according to a 2018 demographic survey, and 4 percent marry before the age of 15 compared with 5 percent for boys, according to Girls Not Brides, a global coalition aiming to end child marriage. The country is among the top 10 worldwide with the highest absolute number of women who were married or in a union before the age of 18. Girls who marry are less likely to finish school and are more likely to face domestic violence, abuse and health problems. Pregnancies become higher risk for child brides, with a greater chance of fistulas, sexually transmitted infections or even death. Teenagers are more likely to die from complications during childbirth than women in their 20s.
Arab News
24-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Riyadh positions itself as a global arbitration hub
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning Riyadh as a global hub for arbitration, leveraging comprehensive legal reforms, technological advancements, and strategic initiatives aligned with its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda. The Kingdom's concerted efforts to modernize its arbitration infrastructure have resulted in a notable increase in the enforcement of arbitral awards. Since the enactment of the Arbitration Law in 2012, Saudi enforcement courts have processed approximately 35,000 enforcement applications, with the total value of awards exceeding $6.16 billion. In 2023 alone, the value of locally enforced arbitral awards reached nearly $800 million, with rulings involving foreign stakeholders totaling around $400 million, as noted by Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani at the Third Saudi Commercial Arbitration Conference, held last year. Karim Youssef, founder and executive chairman of Youssef + Partners, emphasized the strategic nature of Riyadh's emergence as an arbitration hub. Speaking to Arab News, he said: 'Riyadh's rise is closely tied to Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes legal reform, transparency, and modernization.' He added: 'The government's push for a more attractive business environment includes strengthening the rule of law and legal infrastructure, encouraging foreign direct investment, and creating confidence in dispute resolution systems for both local and international investors.' The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, established in 2016, plays a pivotal role in this transformation. 'Saudi's rise comes through a focused approach, involving strong judicial openness to arbitration and the regulator benchmarking its conduct against international minimum standards,' said Youssef. He pointed out that the SCCA saw its caseload increase by a factor of 80 by 2021, a testament to the rapid development and effectiveness of the reforms. The introduction of the 2023 SCCA Arbitration Rules further aligns Saudi Arabia's arbitration framework with global best practices. These rules incorporate the use of technology to streamline proceedings, enhance speed, control costs, and facilitate more direct communication between parties and the arbitral tribunal. Notably, they allow parties to attend hearings remotely, particularly for preliminary and procedural hearings, and enable the engagement of foreign lawyers and counsels, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to accommodating international legal practices. Embracing digital tools Speaking to Arab News, Beirut-based attorney Jihad Chidiac highlighted the significance of these reforms, stating that 'notable changes include the 2023 rules of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, which introduce the use of technology to streamline proceedings, enhance speed, control costs, and facilitate more direct communication between parties and the arbitral tribunal.' He added that these rules allow arbitrations to be conducted in languages other than Arabic and permit the appointment of multinational arbitrators from any jurisdiction, crucial given Riyadh's strategic position between Asia, Europe, and Africa. The Kingdom is positioning itself as a major arbitration hub, attracting global firms and experts seeking a modern, high-tech environment. Jihad Chidiac, Beirut-based attorney The Saudi government's commitment to enhancing the arbitration infrastructure is further evidenced by the modernization of arbitration laws to align with international standards, such as the 2012 Arbitration Law based on the UN Commission on International Trade Law, or UNCITRAL Model Law. This comprehensive legal infrastructure, along with Alternative Dispute Resolution-friendly courts, makes Riyadh a credible and competitive venue for international dispute resolution, attracting global commercial and investment disputes. Global partnerships Chidiac explained that 'the establishment of the SCCA and the introduction of the 2023 SCCA Arbitration Rules further align with global best practices, drawing from renowned frameworks like the London Court of International Arbitration and the International Chamber of Commerce.' These reforms enhance Riyadh's appeal as a trusted center for arbitration, fostering confidence among international businesses and institutions. The Kingdom's dedication to global dispute resolution is also demonstrated by its accession to international treaties like the New York Convention and the formation of strategic partnerships with major arbitration institutions. In November 2022, the SCCA expanded its operations by opening its first office outside Saudi Arabia at the Dubai International Financial Center, operating under the name 'SCCA Dubai' and providing arbitration and mediation services in the UAE, positioning Riyadh as a key player in global dispute resolution services. Developing local expertise Looking ahead, continuous and systematic application of key initiatives is essential for Riyadh to solidify its position as a global arbitration hub. Youssef emphasized the importance of ongoing support from the Ministry of Justice and the government, continued integration and implementation of Vision 2030, and alignment with international legal norms. He added: 'The SCCA is maturing into a competitive institution, with international standard rules and a growing caseload.' Youssef suggested that this collective uniqueness can transform the region into a global hotspot for arbitration activity, enhancing its appeal and competitiveness on the international stage. Riyadh's emergence as a leading arbitration hub represents a significant and transformative shift for legal professionals, businesses, and investors across the Middle East. Since the enactment of the Arbitration Law in 2012, Saudi enforcement courts have processed approximately 35,000 enforcement applications, with the total value of awards exceeding $6.16 billion. Chidiac pointed out that one of the major trends in international arbitration, which Saudi Arabia has already embraced, is the increasing use of digital tools like online dispute resolution platforms and AI-powered arbitration solutions. With initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 driving tech-driven innovation, Chidiac added, 'the Kingdom is positioning itself as a major arbitration hub, attracting global firms and experts seeking a modern, high-tech environment.' Riyadh's emergence as a leading arbitration hub represents a significant and transformative shift for legal professionals, businesses, and investors across the Middle East. Youssef justified that with the establishment of the SCCA and the modernization of legislative infrastructure in line with international arbitration practices, Riyadh offers an efficient arbitral institution that incentivizes businesses and investors to select the city as the seat for their disputes. This, in turn, increases demand for legal practitioners skilled in handling cross-border disputes, creating high-value professional opportunities. The growing volume of cases, particularly driven by ongoing reforms, reflects an expansion in legal services and professional development, fostering a more predictable and stable legal environment that is attractive to foreign investors. Chidiac concluded by saying that Saudi Arabia's hosting of major global events like the Future Investment Initiative and the Global Saudi Investment Forum boosts its international business profile, reinforcing its role as a key hub for arbitration, which ensures efficient and predictable resolution of business disputes. As Saudi Arabia continues to implement its Vision 2030 objectives, Riyadh's positioning as a global arbitration hub is expected to strengthen further, offering a robust and modern legal framework that appeals to international investors and legal professionals alike.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Azalina: Decision on separating AG, public prosecutor roles expected before next GE
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — The government is still studying and evaluating the proposed separation of the roles of the Attorney-General (AG) and Public Prosecutor (PP), said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She expressed hope that a decision on the matter can be reached before the next general election. 'If you are a prosecutor, sometimes you end up serving in that role for many years, as it is a specialised scheme requiring specialised knowledge. 'So, under the MADANI government, we are conducting an empirical study and comparing our system with those of other countries to determine whether our prosecutors should be 100 per cent dedicated to prosecution work. 'We are still conducting the study, and I hope that before the next general election, the government will be able to decide on the separation of the AG's role as the government's legal advisor and as the PP,' she added. She was speaking at the launching ceremony of the AI Legal Justice Roadmap 2025-2026 & Peta Reformasi Institusi (PetaRI) here today. Azalina said the proposed separation of roles is a complex matter involving several technical considerations. 'We need to bring it to several committees first. Once a decision is made, we will forward it to the policy division,' said Azalina. — Bernama
