KUALA LUMPUR: Reflecting on his role in a 2004 law reform committee, the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku noted that about 80 per cent of the principles under the Criminal Procedure Code and the Penal Code were found to remain relevant at the time.
The reflection was shared in a Facebook statement by his office, which recalled his role as deputy chairman of the Select Committee tasked with reviewing both laws through nationwide consultations.
“Through the discussions and feedback gathered, nearly 80 per cent of the principles were identified as still relevant, including provisions on unnatural lust offences and fundamental aspects of criminal justice,” the statement read.
Among the committee’s key recommendations was the proposal to allow defence lawyers access to investigation documents, which later formed the basis of the disclosure system between prosecution and defence in court.
This measure was described as a crucial step towards ensuring fairer and more transparent trials.
The Select Committee, chaired by Datuk Seri Razi Ahmad with Wan Junaidi as deputy, also included senior Royal Malaysia Police officers, Members of Parliament and legal officers.
One of them was Datuk Jagjit Singh, who provided professional insight during the review process.
Over the course of a year, the committee travelled across the country to hear views from the public, an effort that not only broadened understanding of the legal system but also forged professional and personal ties that endure until today.
The statement noted that the committee’s work left a lasting impact on Malaysia’s legal framework, particularly in enhancing transparency and safeguarding the right to defence.
Wan Junaidi reconnected with several former colleagues at his official residence in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (Oct 25), including Malacca High Court judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis, whom he first worked with on the Select Committee in 2004.
Also present were Jackie Fernandis and Rajah M, with whom Wan Junaidi and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, shared breakfast while reminiscing about their professional experiences and long-standing friendship.
