KUCHING: The Criminal Law Reform Committee (CLRC) concluded its nationwide town hall series in Sarawak on Wednesday, marking the final leg of public consultation efforts aimed at reviewing and reforming three key legislations: the Penal Code [Act 574], the Criminal Procedure Code [Act 593], and the Evidence Act 1950 [Act 56].
The Sarawak town hall was chaired by Tan Sri Datuk Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal, a former Federal Court Judge and chairman of CLRC, alongside Datuk Ravinthran N. Paramaguru, Court of Appeal Judge and deputy chairman of the committee.
The event followed similar engagements held in Peninsular Malaysia on May 21 and in Sabah on June 9.
Its primary objective was to gather feedback and proposals from stakeholders in Sarawak regarding criminal law reforms, including the introduction of new offences, amendments to evidentiary rules, burden of proof and sentencing, improvements to fair trial principles, and enhancements to pre-trial procedures as part of a broader effort to strengthen the nation’s criminal justice system.
This initiative, introduced by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), is part of a comprehensive national consultation effort that emphasises inclusive participation from all segments of society, including vulnerable groups, professional communities and civil society, to ensure fair, just and people-centred criminal law reforms.
The Sarawak session saw encouraging participation, underscoring the initiative’s relevance and the strong collective commitment to legal reform.
It aligns with the MADANI Government’s goal to maintain a legal framework that is relevant, effective, and just, especially in responding to technological advances, socio-economic development, and emerging threats, while remaining consistent with international best practices.
To encourage broader public engagement, the deadline for submitting feedback on the proposed reforms has been extended from May 31 to June 15, 2025.
The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU, JPM) expressed its appreciation to all participating ministries, government agencies, civil society organisations, academic institutions, the Bar Council, the Advocates Association of Sarawak, CLRC members, and researchers for their valuable input and participation.
The Sarawak town hall not only concluded the CLRC’s public engagement tour but also reinforced nationwide dedication to making Malaysia’s criminal justice system more responsive, fair and practical, anchored in the rule of law and the protection of individual rights.
The CLRC was specially established to undertake a phased, 18-month review and propose reforms to the three major criminal laws mentioned.
To date, the committee has gathered twice to discuss the direction and implementation of the planned reforms.
To support the process, an ad hoc committee comprising experts in law, enforcement, technology, and civil society has also been formed to provide ongoing technical and strategic input.
The appointments of the chairperson and members of both the CLRC and Ad Hoc Committee were made by Azalina, in line with the MADANI Government’s commitment to delivering holistic legal reform.