KUALA LUMPUR: Asean countries are set to align their legal frameworks in key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybercrime and cross-border commercial disputes.
A joint statement on this will be signed at the upcoming Asean Law Forum in Kuala Lumpur.
The statement will reflect the region’s collective commitment to addressing emerging legal challenges, particularly in the digital era, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“This joint statement is very significant because it shows that Asean countries — particularly our law ministries, justice departments and legal agencies — are ready to work closely on shared legal concerns,” she said at the forum’s soft launch here.
She said the agreement will cover a broad range of transnational legal themes, including international arbitration and mediation,cross-border insolvency, online safety and cybercrime, AI in legal practice, criminal and commercial law reform and business and human rights.
Azalina said international arbitration and mediation, in particular, are becoming key mechanisms to resolve commercial disputes among Asean businesses and governments.
“So when Asean countries do business with each other — whether involving companies or governments — and disputes arise, they can turn to international mediation or arbitration platforms.
“These are among the key subjects that I hope will be included in the joint statement and signed collectively by all Asean nations, aligning their respective domestic legal frameworks and ensuring applicability within Malaysia.”
Azalina said the forum is expected to serve as a platform for Asean members to share best practices and move towards common legal approaches, especially in areas where the region faces similar challenges.
“On AI, for example, all Asean countries are grappling with the same issues. That’s why we need aligned or at least consistent legal frameworks to ensure effective implementation and protection.”
The Asean Law Forum 2025, scheduled to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Aug 19 to 21, is themed “Enhancing access to justice in the Asean Economic Community: Bridging legal cooperation for inclusive growth in the digital age.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
