ASEAN Law Forum 2025 this August set to enhance regional cooperation
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
China calls for calm over border clash
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) meets with Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in Beijing on July 25, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua BEIJING: China called for calm and proper handling of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand and reaffirmed its willingness to continue to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during talks with Association of Southeast Asian Nations Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing on Friday (July 25). The meeting took place amid the ongoing border clash between Cambodia and Thailand, causing heavy casualties. Both nations have accused each other of initiating the attack and violating international law. Malaysia, the current rotating chair of Asean, has launched mediation efforts. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a social media post on Thursday that he had been in direct communication with his counterparts in Thailand and Cambodia, urging both sides to de-escalate tensions. He said both leaders had expressed their willingness to consider a ceasefire. Speaking about the clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border, Wang expressed deep concern over the loss of lives, calling the conflict "distressing and worrying". Wang said the root causes of the dispute stem from unresolved legacies of Western colonialism. He urged all parties to remain calm and properly resolve differences. At a time of mounting global uncertainty and turbulence, the hard-won peace and stability in East Asia must be valued and protected, Wang said. He emphasised that Asean remains a top priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy and voiced strong support for the group's growing role in regional and international affairs. China appreciates and supports Malaysia's mediation efforts and encourages the continuation of dialogue and political settlement through the Asean Way, a framework that guides the bloc and its integration, Wang said. As a close neighbour to both Cambodia and Thailand, China is committed to maintaining a fair and impartial position and stands ready to play a constructive role in reducing tensions and facilitating reconciliation, he added. Kao thanked China for its efforts to encourage peace talks regarding the border conflict, affirming that the Asean chair is mediating in line with the spirit of the Asean Charter, the legal and institutional framework for the bloc. He expressed confidence that the leaders of the countries concerned possess the political wisdom to resolve the dispute. "The risk of large-scale escalation remains low and economic interdependence and shared regional interests serve as 'buffers' against further escalation," said Du Lan, deputy director of the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies. As Cambodia and Thailand are both long-standing friends of China, Beijing does not wish to see the situation spiral, Du said, adding that China, together with Asean, will continue encouraging talks and promoting multilateral consultation platforms and crisis management mechanisms to play mediating roles. Regarding the South China Sea issue, Wang called for enhanced cooperation between China and Asean to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and to complete consultations on the Code of Conduct within the agreed timeline to jointly foster a narrative of peace, friendship, and cooperation. Wang also called on China and Asean to strengthen unity and cooperation in opposing unilateralism, defending free trade and the multilateral trading system, and preserving the authority and integrity of both the China-Asean Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. - China Daily/ANN
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Vietnam stands at core of evolving Asean: Malaysian ambassador
HANOI: Vietnam continues to hold a central position in an ever-evolving Asean, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai (pic) has said. Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in an interview with Tan in conjunction with 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to Asean, reported Tan highlighted Vietnam's prominent and active contributions to the Asean community-building process, especially during the bloc's transformation from a loosely structured regional organisation into a rules-based community. Vietnam made its mark early with the Hanoi Plan of Action in 1998, hosting the 6th Asean Summit, and leading the bloc's first formal workplan towards the Asean Vision 2020, he said. The country, which formally joined Asean on July 28, 1995, also strongly supported the establishment of key Asean mechanisms during this period, such as the Asean Plus Three, the East Asia Summit, and Asean Regional Forum, expanding the bloc's dialogue partnerships and global reach. He said notably, Vietnam's Chairmanship in 2020, during the peak of Covid-19, demonstrated its strong leadership in crisis diplomacy. For the first time in history, Vietnam hosted the Asean Summit virtually, alongside the establishment of the Asean Covid-19 Response Fund, and the implementation of coordinated regional recovery measures, demonstrating the bloc's solidarity and flexible response capability. After 30 years, Vietnam has evolved from a new entrant into a credible, constructive and consensus-building member of Asean, the diplomat said, noting that its performance reflects increasing confidence, growing diplomatic weight and a strong commitment to regional peace, prosperity, and shared identity - well aligned with the goals of the Asean Community Vision 2045. According to the ambassador, Vietnam has emerged as one of Asean's most dynamic economies, making significant contributions to Asean's global trade profile and serving as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region. Tan also highlighted the fruitful development in Vietnam-Malaysia bilateral relations in recent years, noting the recent upgrade of their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks a timely and historic step. According to the ambassador, Malaysia has so far invested over US$13 billion in Vietnam through around 760 projects across sectors such as manufacturing, finance, real estate, securities and transport. Malaysian investors have shown strong interest in key destinations such as Hai Phong with its fast-growing seaport and industrial zones, as well as Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Convenient air connectivity has helped attract Malaysian tourists not only to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but also to destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Sa Pa, Cat Ba, and Phu Quoc. Conversely, Vietnamese travellers are also encouraged to visit Malaysia, especially in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. The two countries have signed many bilateral agreements and are working toward finalising a Plan of Action for the next five to 10 years to guide cooperation in strategic areas such as trade, technology, and energy. In 2024, two-way trade reached nearly US$18 billion. As an energy-producing nation, Malaysia complements Vietnam - a major energy consumer, especially in renewable energy, offering strong potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. Malaysia also plays a key role in the semiconductor supply chain, supporting Vietnam's manufacturing sector, as Vietnam emerges as a new production hub in Asia. With its young and dynamic workforce, Vietnam holds strong potential for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The Vietnam - Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership serves as a catalyst for realising the Asean Community Vision 2045, VNA quoted Tan said. He also suggesting strengthened bilateral cooperation in green energy trade and halal food supply chain between the two sides, towards scaling these initiatives across Asean. Aligning Vietnam's manufacturing strengths with Malaysia's market access and investment capacity will help build robust supply chain corridors, thus supporting Asean's goals for a digital and green economy by 2045, he added. - Bernama
![[UPDATED] Malaysia continues efforts to mediate Thailand-Cambodia conflict, says Anwar](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FTHAILAND-CAMBODIA-BORDER-CONFLICT_9166e156038041c788ed0810f62d8913_1753508139.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Malaysia continues efforts to mediate Thailand-Cambodia conflict, says Anwar](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Malaysia continues efforts to mediate Thailand-Cambodia conflict, says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia, as Asean chairman, will continue its efforts to engage both Thailand and Cambodia following the ongoing conflict along their border, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Anwar added that he would also continue to contact both leaders in a bid to halt the gunfire and, at the very least, push for the resumption of ceasefire negotiations. "We have already stated our position, despite criticism from certain quarters. "Both the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have issued statements and personally contacted me to express their appreciation for the initiative. "Although they have agreed in principle, there still appears to be gunfire along the border. "If possible, I will also continue to contact them myself, at the very least, to stop the ongoing exchange of gunfire and proceed with negotiations," he told reporters after attending the 2025 Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals. Anwar said this when asked whether Malaysia is ready to host both parties to sit and hold discussions on the matter. He added that Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has also been instructed to follow up with his counterparts on the matter. Yesterday, Anwar said the government is not taking the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and its impact on Malaysia lightly. Anwar said that although the situation in Malaysia remained stable and calm, the country must learn from the experiences of its neighbours. It was reported that Thai and Cambodian troops clashed on Thursday in a disputed border area, with both sides accusing each other of sparking the latest confrontation. Tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations have risen since May 28 following a bloody incident in the Preah Vihear area that claimed the life of a Cambodian soldier. The two countries have long been at odds over their 817-kilometre border, which has remained unresolved for decades, and the dispute continues to strain diplomatic relations.
