A former minister has called for the re-establishment of a dedicated law ministry, arguing that it would strengthen collaboration among the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the judiciary, and the executive.
Syed Hamid Albar, who held the law portfolio between 1990 and 1995, said such a ministry would ensure legal and policy coordination across all institutions, enhancing efficiency and accountability.
He said the creation of a law ministry would also ensure the availability of sufficient resources to support each institution.
“When there is a dedicated ministry, the minister will have permanent staff, a secretary-general and various departments under them,” he told FMT.
This would give “greater substance” to the minister’s role as the “middleman” between the AGC and judiciary.
Syed Hamid recalled that during his tenure, the law ministry was able to initiate a working paper aimed at clearing case backlogs and expanding judicial capacity.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was giving serious thought to re-establishing the law ministry.
Malaysia had a law ministry until 1995, when it was dissolved and replaced by the legal affairs division under the Prime Minister’s Department, currently led by law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said.
Anwar said a dedicated law ministry would provide better structure for Malaysia’s legal system and strengthen the country’s role in the region.
Syed Hamid said it would also improve communication between MPs and the attorney-general, particularly on matters raised in the Dewan Rakyat.
“If there are questions raised in Parliament, a law minister could answer on behalf of the AG,” he said.
