The Malaysian Insight

THE views of communities, civil society bodies and minority groups will be taken into account in carrying out law reforms to ensure the country’s policies are inclusive, holistic and effective, said de facto Law Minister Liew Vui Keong. 

He said no one should be sidelined in expressing their views in this process. 

“The government must have accountability to ensure the laws they want to amend or formulate are just laws. We must be an open government and uphold the rule of law, at the same time. 

“There are many outdated, draconian laws and they are no longer relevant in the new Malaysia scenario. Therefore, such laws must be revised and updated,” he said in a statement today. 

Liew said this after the Law Reform Agenda for Malaysia 2.0 Seminar, organised by Prime Minister’s Department’s Law Affairs unit, concluded.

Liew said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad wanted the government to analyse why a law should be made or amended.

“Dr Mahathir said the justification for law (reform) must be based on real problems and supported by comprehensive data,” he said.

Among others, Dr Mahathir also said it was time for Malaysia’s judiciary to shift away laws that were punitive in nature to restorative to create social harmony. 

“Dr Mahathir also said that capital punishment for petty crimes may have been acceptable in the past, but was no longer (relevant) in modern society. Instead, it is viewed cruel,” Liew said, adding that the notion that the “government knows best” has long passed and that the people now wanted their needs to be the priority.

The prime minister said this in his town hall address entitled “Law Reform in Malaysia: The Ideal Process”, which was heard by about 90 senators and MPs attending the one-day seminar. 

Earlier at the seminar, lawmakers discussed issues such as the declaration of assets by lawmakers, the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, and amendment of the Fisheries Act, Peaceful Assembly Act, Parliamentary Services Act and Selected Special Parliamentary Commitee. – June 30, 2019.