Federal Court judge heads committee to review outdated laws

 

Justice Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal will head a 25-member committee comprising judges, lawyers, academics, and Suhakam commissioners, among others. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Federal Court judge Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal has been appointed to head a 25-member committee which will identify provisions in the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Evidence Act that are outdated or no longer suitable.

The Prime Minister’s Department’s legal affairs division said the committee will also propose reforms to these laws and legal reforms to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system and ensure that all trials are conducted fairly.

The division said the study is expected to be carried out within 18 months, and the proposals that will be submitted will be crucial to reinforcing the rule of law, enhancing law enforcement, and safeguarding individual human rights within the criminal justice system.

“The establishment of this committee is a strategic step to ensure that the criminal justice system in Malaysia remains relevant, effective, and grounded in justice in facing current challenges, particularly those related to technological advancements and social changes,” it said in a statement today.

“A strong and up-to-date criminal justice system is vital in safeguarding individual human rights and strengthening public confidence in the nation’s legal system.

“The Madani government believes that holistic and comprehensive reforms will help the country’s criminal justice system become more responsive, just, and effective in meeting the needs of an increasingly evolving society.”

Court of Appeal judge P Ravinthran will serve as Harmindar’s deputy, while three other Court of Appeal judges – Zaini Mazlan, Noorin Badaruddin and Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh – will serve as committee members.

The other committee members include lawyers Baljit Singh Sidhu and Amer Hamzah Arshad, academics R Ramalinggam and Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid, and Suhakam commissioners Noor Aziah Awal and Mariati Robert.

Representatives from the division, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Bar Council, the Sabah Law Society, and the Advocates Association of Sarawak are also on the committee.

An ad hoc committee consisting of experts in the fields of law, enforcement, technology, and civil society has also been formed and will provide technical and strategic input as needed to ensure that each proposal is comprehensive and in line with current needs. - FMT