Law And Justice Ministry Long Overdue For Malaysia Zaid

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Former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim has welcomed the government’s move to establish a fully fledged Law Ministry, calling it a “long overdue” reform that could restore public confidence in Malaysia’s justice system.
“For far too long, Malaysia has not shown genuine institutional enthusiasm for the rule of law. Since 1995, the so-called law minister was essentially a unit under the Prime Minister’s Department, with little autonomy or structural authority,” he said on X.
According to Zaid, the arrangement blurred accountability and weakened the credibility of the office, reducing it to a political post with no real power.
“The creation of a proper ministry signals a renewed recognition that justice cannot merely be an extension of politics. It requires a dedicated institution that commands respect, independence, and authority,” he stressed.
ADSZaid argued that a fully empowered ministry could play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating the country’s legal and enforcement framework, particularly in addressing fragmentation between the police, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), and the judiciary.
“A Law and Justice Ministry, if structured properly, could serve as a unifying body to promote coherence, efficiency, and transparency in the administration of justice. It should set standards, monitor performance, and ensure accountability across these vital institutions,” he said.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his keynote address at the Asean Law Forum 2025, said the government is considering the establishment of a dedicated Law Ministry to ensure greater coherence in the national legal ecosystem.
He said the move would also enable Malaysia to engage more meaningfully with regional partners in advancing the rule of law, particularly with fellow Asean member states.
“By aligning ourselves with the best practices of our neighbours, Malaysia will be better placed to shape a more just and responsive regional order,” he reportedly said.
Beyond cosmetic change
Equally important, Zaid said, was the question of leadership.
“Too often, the position has gone to politicians who happen to have legal qualifications, rather than professionals with proven ability and independence. This has undermined public confidence in the integrity of the office.
“This time, the government must break from tradition. The appointment should prioritise professional competence, integrity, and commitment to justice above political convenience,” he added.
As such, Zaid urged the government to appoint “a lawyer of stature and independence” to helm the ministry, saying this would send a strong signal that Malaysia was serious about upholding the rule of law.
He cautioned, however, that the new ministry alone would not solve Malaysia’s deep-rooted problems, such as selective enforcement, weak accountability, and eroding trust in institutions.
“The establishment of this ministry will not, by itself, solve Malaysia’s long-standing problems. But it can mark a turning point.
“For that to happen, political will must match institutional reform. Without the right leadership and genuine independence, the new ministry risks becoming just another cosmetic change,” he said. - Mkini

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