Tech-based theme for CLMM 2024 highlights govt’s effort in legislation reforms, says PM’s Dept

PETALING JAYA: The technology-based theme for the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM 2024) is in line with the Madani government’s aspiration to ensure justice for all through the use of technology, says the government.

The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department said the government recognised the theme “Technology and Innovation: How Digitalisation Paves the Way for the Development of People-Centred Access to Justice”.

In the same spirit, the Justice on Wheels programme was launched on Jan 25, to provide legal services to the rural communities nationwide by utilising digitalisation and mobile vehicles, it said.

“All persons are entitled to equal protection of the law and it is high time that technological advancements are mobilised to advance this notion,” the division said in a statement on Tuesday (March 5).

It said the government is also drafting a Digital Safety Act to address procedures relating to technological developments, which include cybercrime, prevention of child abuse material, online scamming and terrorism, among others.

“It is evident that the theme of CLMM 2024 resonates with the goals of the reform initiatives of the Madani government, which is committed to ensuring access to justice, safeguarding democracy, promoting good governance and upholding the rule of law,” it added.

The statement said the government is working on legislation reforms, which include finalising a new legislation to replace the existing Legal Aid Act 1971 (Act 126).

It noted that the government had also completed a comprehensive study on the current legal aid service regime, which included a focus on group discussions and nationwide consultations.

“This new law aims to encompass legal aid assistance for both civil and criminal matters, including the service of public defenders in the efforts to ensure that access to justice is not denied to any persons,” it added.

The CLMM 2024, which is currently held in Zanzibar, Tanzania until Friday (March 8), is attended by Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Solicitor General II Datuk Suzana Atan.