Latest news with #LegalAffairsDivision
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia needs comprehensive AI-focused laws
BANGI: Malaysia must introduce dedicated legislation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and mitigate its associated risks, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said yesterday. Speaking after her ministry's monthly assembly and the launch of the National Legal Academy, Azalina confirmed she had formally written to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to initiate discussions on developing AI-specific laws. 'I've proposed a meeting between the Legal Affairs Division and the Digital Ministry to explore a legislative framework for AI,' she said. Azalina stressed that AI operates on a fundamentally different paradigm from conventional technologies and cannot be governed under existing legal frameworks. She pointed to the European Union's AI Act – the world's first comprehensive AI legislation – as a model Malaysia could study and adapt to local needs. 'We must look at global frameworks like the EU's AI Act, which categorises risks and defines responsibilities, to see how they can inform Malaysia's approach,' she said. She also highlighted broader efforts to digitise the judicial system, including the use of voice-to-text transcription and online filing, noting that such systems must extend beyond Putrajaya to district courts nationwide. Gobind had earlier announced that a detailed proposal on Malaysia's AI regulatory roadmap, currently being finalised by the National Artificial Intelligence Office, would be ready by the end of June. The roadmap may include new legislation, regulatory rules or standard-setting frameworks. Azalina also called for stronger corporate accountability laws, citing the recent fatal bus crash in Gerik that claimed 15 lives. 'We need serious policy discussions around corporate negligence and potential laws on corporate manslaughter, especially when public safety is compromised,' she said. Separately, she confirmed that the Online Safety Act 2024 – which has been gazetted – is awaiting its enforcement date. The Act will come into effect once Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil signs the enforcement order. Once in force, the law will allow for immediate regulatory action against harmful online content and introduce a statutory duty of care on platform providers. An online safety committee will also be formed to define and classify online harms, although child-related matters will remain governed under the Child Act 2001. Azalina confirmed she had formally written to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to initiate discussions on developing AI-specific laws. – Amirul Syafiq/theSun
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Azalina urges AI laws, cites EU model as reference
BANGI: Malaysia must introduce dedicated legislation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and mitigate its associated risks, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said yesterday. Speaking after her ministry's monthly assembly and the launch of the National Legal Academy, Azalina confirmed she had formally written to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to initiate discussions on developing AI-specific laws. 'I've proposed a meeting between the Legal Affairs Division and the Digital Ministry to explore a legislative framework for AI,' she said. Azalina stressed that AI operates on a fundamentally different paradigm from conventional technologies and cannot be governed under existing legal frameworks. She pointed to the European Union's AI Act – the world's first comprehensive AI legislation – as a model Malaysia could study and adapt to local needs. 'We must look at global frameworks like the EU's AI Act, which categorises risks and defines responsibilities, to see how they can inform Malaysia's approach,' she said. She also highlighted broader efforts to digitise the judicial system, including the use of voice-to-text transcription and online filing, noting that such systems must extend beyond Putrajaya to district courts nationwide. Gobind had earlier announced that a detailed proposal on Malaysia's AI regulatory roadmap, currently being finalised by the National Artificial Intelligence Office, would be ready by the end of June. The roadmap may include new legislation, regulatory rules or standard-setting frameworks. Azalina also called for stronger corporate accountability laws, citing the recent fatal bus crash in Gerik that claimed 15 lives. 'We need serious policy discussions around corporate negligence and potential laws on corporate manslaughter, especially when public safety is compromised,' she said. Separately, she confirmed that the Online Safety Act 2024 – which has been gazetted – is awaiting its enforcement date. The Act will come into effect once Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil signs the enforcement order. Once in force, the law will allow for immediate regulatory action against harmful online content and introduce a statutory duty of care on platform providers. An online safety committee will also be formed to define and classify online harms, although child-related matters will remain governed under the Child Act 2001. Azalina confirmed she had formally written to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to initiate discussions on developing AI-specific laws. – Amirul Syafiq/theSun
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Law Forum 2025 this August Set To Enhance Regional Cooperation
BANGI, June 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will host the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 from Aug 19 to 21 as part of its ASEAN Chairmanship this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said the forum is one of several important meetings and conferences involving the legal sector at the ASEAN level. 'The forum provides ASEAN member states an opportunity to coordinate efforts in building strong and resilient legal institutions and mechanisms, especially in navigating today's uncertain global economic challenges. 'As Chair, Malaysia will take the lead in shaping effective strategies to advance international commercial arbitration and mediation, to position ASEAN as a preferred hub for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and strengthening cross-border insolvency mechanisms,' she said. She was speaking at the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) monthly assembly and the rebranding of the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (ILKAP) as the National Legal Academy (APN) here today. Azalina said countries she had recently visited, including Japan, Uzbekistan and several ASEAN dialogue partners, have shown interest and enthusiasm in participating in the upcoming forum. She also said that the pursuit of justice must not be rushed, as it demands diligence and fairness in its process. 'Although the government has increased the number of courts and appointed more officers, including Chief Registrars, the existing system still faces constraints in terms of time and resources. 'The road to justice is a long process, but with ADR platforms, we can offer more accessible and practical interpretation of justice,' she said.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN Law Forum 2025 this August set to enhance regional cooperation
BANGI: Malaysia will host the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 from Aug 19 to 21 as part of its ASEAN Chairmanship this year, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She said the forum is one of several important meetings and conferences involving the legal sector at the ASEAN level. 'The forum provides ASEAN member states an opportunity to coordinate efforts in building strong and resilient legal institutions and mechanisms, especially in navigating today's uncertain global economic challenges. 'As Chair, Malaysia will take the lead in shaping effective strategies to advance international commercial arbitration and mediation, to position ASEAN as a preferred hub for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and strengthening cross-border insolvency mechanisms,' she said. She was speaking at the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) monthly assembly and the rebranding of the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (ILKAP) as the National Legal Academy (APN) here today. Azalina said countries she had recently visited, including Japan, Uzbekistan and several ASEAN dialogue partners, have shown interest and enthusiasm in participating in the upcoming forum. She also said that the pursuit of justice must not be rushed, as it demands diligence and fairness in its process. 'Although the government has increased the number of courts and appointed more officers, including Chief Registrars, the existing system still faces constraints in terms of time and resources. 'The road to justice is a long process, but with ADR platforms, we can offer more accessible and practical interpretation of justice,' she said. Meanwhile, Azalina said the Cabinet had agreed to the rebranding of APN on April 9, reflecting the establishment of two separate training institutions in the judiciary and legal fields, namely the Malaysian Judicial Academy (AKM) and APN, each with distinct functions. In line with the MADANI Government's legal and institutional reform agenda, Azalina said the APN plays a crucial role in training government officers on existing and newly amended laws to ensure effective implementation. 'Ensuring national laws remain relevant is not an easy task, given the range of issues that must be considered and the extensive research required, especially with the rapid advancement of AI-based technologies. 'Therefore, once a law is passed, it must be promoted and implemented without delay, and more importantly, officers in the legal institutions must be equipped with the necessary skills to enforce it,' she said.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Azalina: Online Safety Act coming into force soon, targets digital harm to children
BANGI, June 16 — Malaysia is set to enforce the Online Safety Act 2024 soon following its full passage through Parliament and Royal Assent. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, said the Act has already been gazetted and is now awaiting the official enforcement date to be signed by Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. She said the law will give authorities greater powers to regulate digital platforms and bolster safeguards, particularly to protect children from online harm. Azalina said the law will come into force as soon as Fahmi signs the enforcement order, enabling the government to act swiftly in removing unlawful content. Under the Act, platform providers will also be required to uphold a defined duty of care. 'After that, there will be a joint council (Online Safety Committee) to define online harms,' she said at a press conference after the monthly assembly of the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) and launch of the National Legal Academy (APN), here today. Azalina said that while the Online Safety Act centres on platform regulation and digital responsibility, any matter involving children must also be viewed through the lens of the Child Act 2001. On a separate note, she stressed the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks to ensure corporate accountability, particularly in cases involving public safety and transport negligence. Citing the recent bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 UPSI students, Azalina called for policy-level discussions on corporate liability, including the potential introduction of corporate manslaughter laws. 'How can a company run a business and not be held responsible? Take the example of what happened with Air India. If something goes wrong mechanically, it should not be enough to just pay out insurance. Someone must be held accountable,' she stressed. — Bernama
