KUALA LUMPUR – There are more than 3,000 outdated laws that need to be reviewed to ensure that legislation stays relevant, says law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“For instance, with the advancements in digital technology, some existing laws may either be inapplicable or require amendments to better address current situations,” she told reporters after attending her ministry’s monthly assembly today.
Azalina said that a list of these outdated laws, some of which were enacted before independence, will be compiled and submitted to the prime minister for further consideration.
“We may need to prepare a cabinet paper, listing these outdated laws and propose establishing a special cabinet committee to review them.
“These laws affect all agencies and may also involve state, federal and local governments,” she was reported as saying.
She stressed the importance of involving multiple stakeholders in the review, such as the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the judiciary and university law faculties, with the expertise to assess the legislation.
Recently, the media reported that Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul held a meeting with the secretaries-general and legal advisors from each ministry to address the need for reviewing outdated laws.
He said that this initiative is necessary for evaluating laws that are no longer suitable or relevant in the digital age and for updating them to reflect contemporary standards. – August 12, 2024