Kuala lumpur: The Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025, a pivotal element of the government's legal reform agenda, is anticipated to be introduced for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat next week. This announcement was made by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department responsible for Law and Institutional Reform.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill represents the MADANI Government's commitment to improving access to justice for all citizens of Malaysia. Azalina emphasized that the legislation aims to prioritize vulnerable groups and individuals who qualify for legal assistance, ensuring they have access to quality legal and defense services, thus upholding the principle of justice for all.

Azalina shared these insights while concluding the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) during the Dewan Rakyat session. She also noted the government's approval for implementing the mobile court initiative in Peninsular Malaysia, a decision reached after discussions with Chief Justice Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh and the Office of the Chief Registrar last week.

The mobile court initiative, which is already operational in Sabah and Sarawak, seeks to establish at least one mobile court in each state within Peninsular Malaysia. Azalina expressed hope that these mobile courts would enhance the inclusivity of the legal system, providing legal services, resolving minor cases, and facilitating the registration of essential documents even in rural and remote areas, not just urban centers.

She further expressed optimism that the initiative would be realized in the Budget 2026, which is expected to be presented by the Prime Minister, with the aspiration that it becomes a tangible reality, insya-Allah.