Kuala lumpur: Strengthening the rule of law is essential not only for enhancing public confidence in Malaysia's legal system but also for attracting foreign investment, driving economic growth, and reinforcing the country's international reputation, according to a legal expert.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prof. Dr R. Ramalinggam, lead researcher for the study on Malaysia's Rule of Law Index, emphasized that the Rule of Law Index published by the World Justice Project (WJP) is a key benchmark used by investors and international organizations to assess a country's governance, transparency, and institutional stability. "Countries with strong rule of law scores are perceived as stable, transparent, fair, and governed with integrity," he said in a recent interview.
Ramalinggam, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Multimedia University, noted that countries that uphold the rule of law are generally viewed as having stronger governance, reducing concerns over leakages, abuse of power, and business uncertainty. "The economic impact is reflected in a more stable business environment. Investment prospects improve because the country is seen as having a stable economic climate," he explained.
Beyond its economic benefits, Ramalinggam stated that the rule of law also contributes significantly to political stability, social harmony, national unity, and overall public well-being. He detailed that the WJP Rule of Law Index assesses countries across eight key dimensions: constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice.
"These eight dimensions form the foundation of a nation's governance. When laws are applied and enforced fairly, people feel that their rights are protected and that they are treated equally. A country with a strong rule of law promotes harmony among its people, strengthens national unity, and enhances public confidence in government institutions," he stated.
Ramalinggam stressed that strengthening the rule of law is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the government and requires active participation from the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the public. He asserted that national transformation begins with individuals who uphold integrity and respect for the law in their daily lives.
"When individuals change, families change. When families change, communities change, and ultimately the nation changes. I hope Malaysia can become one of the world's leading countries in upholding the rule of law. I believe that goal is well within our reach," he declared.
The World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index is an internationally recognized benchmark that measures how effectively, transparently, and fairly countries uphold the principles of the rule of law. It evaluates areas including government accountability, institutional integrity, judicial effectiveness, public safety, protection of fundamental rights, and equal access to justice.
The Rule of Law Index is closely linked to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), as stricter rule of law reflects more effective law enforcement, greater checks against abuse of power, and stronger anti-corruption efforts. Malaysia ranked 54th globally with a score of 52 in the 2025 CPI released by Transparency International (TI).