Putrajaya must be genuine in wanting law reform body, says Bar
May 24, 2012
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — The Malaysian Bar today welcomed Putrajaya’s announcement that it will look into forming an independent law reform commission to “review and modernise archaic laws in the country”, but stressed that such plans must “genuine” and not mere political rhetoric.
“The issue of law reform is too critical and too pressing to be used as a political gimmick to garner votes and electoral support.
“If the Malaysian government is genuine and has the political will to fulfil its stated desire, then the Malaysian Bar would be more than willing to assist and play an active role in the process of forming and participating in this long overdue law reform commission,” said the Bar’s president Lim Chee Wee (picture) in a statement.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said recently that the government will look into setting up the commission, and that it would take over the role of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“I think they (A-G’s Chambers) have too much on their hands as they are bogged down with matters such as prosecution, advising the government and drafting new Bills,” Nazri was quoted by The Sun as saying.
He said more than 1,000 pieces of legislation could have been passed over the years and he was unsure how many were outdated.
“The Malaysian Bar has repeatedly called for the establishment of an independent law reform commission that would undertake research, public consultations and legal policy development, and make recommendations to the Parliament, without fear or favour.
“The Malaysian Bar also welcomes the minister’s reported statement that the commission will comprise ‘people from all walks of life’.
“In our press release of December 14 2011, we had applauded Datuk Liew Vui Keong’s reported announcement that the composition of the commission would include retired or serving Federal Court judges, retired or serving law professors, experts or specialists on law, senior and experienced lawyers as well as senior members of the civil society,” Lim said.
The proposal for a law reform commission has in the past been floated by many lawmakers, including Liew who last year urged the government to establish the commission to review, draft and modernise laws.
“The issue of law reform is too critical and too pressing to be used as a political gimmick to garner votes and electoral support.
“If the Malaysian government is genuine and has the political will to fulfil its stated desire, then the Malaysian Bar would be more than willing to assist and play an active role in the process of forming and participating in this long overdue law reform commission,” said the Bar’s president Lim Chee Wee (picture) in a statement.Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said recently that the government will look into setting up the commission, and that it would take over the role of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“I think they (A-G’s Chambers) have too much on their hands as they are bogged down with matters such as prosecution, advising the government and drafting new Bills,” Nazri was quoted by The Sun as saying.
He said more than 1,000 pieces of legislation could have been passed over the years and he was unsure how many were outdated.
“The Malaysian Bar has repeatedly called for the establishment of an independent law reform commission that would undertake research, public consultations and legal policy development, and make recommendations to the Parliament, without fear or favour.
“The Malaysian Bar also welcomes the minister’s reported statement that the commission will comprise ‘people from all walks of life’.
“In our press release of December 14 2011, we had applauded Datuk Liew Vui Keong’s reported announcement that the composition of the commission would include retired or serving Federal Court judges, retired or serving law professors, experts or specialists on law, senior and experienced lawyers as well as senior members of the civil society,” Lim said.
The proposal for a law reform commission has in the past been floated by many lawmakers, including Liew who last year urged the government to establish the commission to review, draft and modernise laws.
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