Kuala lumpur: The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, has voiced her hopes that the proposed Ministry of Law, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will become a reality next year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina stated that this proposal aligns with the current needs due to the expanding functions and responsibilities of the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) following various legal amendments. She emphasized that transforming BHEUU into a full ministry would underscore the importance of law, beyond its current positioning under the Prime Minister's Department.
Azalina highlighted that a dedicated ministry, complete with its own secretary-general, division secretary, and director-general, would enhance operational effectiveness in serving the public. She expressed these views during the handover ceremony for the Office of Public Defender, the launch of the Justice on Wheels roadshow, and the commissioning of mediators for the Legal Aid Department.
In a subsequent press conference, Azalina mentioned that while the proposal initially reflected her personal view, she hopes it will evolve into government policy. The expanding scope of the division's work, including the establishment of tribunals like an anti-bullying tribunal, and strengthening legal aid and public defence, necessitates a more structured administrative framework.
Azalina noted that recent legal amendments have imposed greater tasks on the legal division under the Prime Minister's Department, highlighting the need for restructuring under a dedicated ministry for more integrated and effective management. She believes that such a ministry would strengthen the delivery of legal services to the public, aligning with the contemporary legal landscape.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had earlier indicated that the government is considering establishing a Ministry of Law to ensure a structured and integrated legal ecosystem. During his keynote at the ASEAN Law Forum 2025, he stated that this move would enable Malaysia to engage more meaningfully with regional partners in advancing the rule of law, particularly with ASEAN members.