Kuala lumpur: The provision allowing for the cancellation of appointments without cause under the proposed amendments to the Legal Profession Act is intended to provide the government with flexibility to act swiftly in circumstances that may affect the effectiveness of the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB). Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran stated that such circumstances include breaches of integrity, incompetence, non-compliance, or conflicts of interest that affect the functioning and effectiveness of the board.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kulasegaran emphasized that the power cannot be exercised arbitrarily, as any ministerial decision is subject to the principles of administrative law, namely that it must be rational, reasonable, and free from mala fide (malice). He noted that the minister would also consider the risk of public criticism and political censure if the power is misused. Nonetheless, any affected member retains the right to seek judicial review in court, irrespective of whether a revocation is made with or without cause.
The proposed amendments to the Act also empower the minister to appoint LPQB members and to revoke such appointments without providing reasons. However, Kulasegaran clarified that any revocation must be accompanied by the appointment of a replacement based on the original nomination to preserve the balance of the board's composition, ensuring that the minister cannot alter representation arbitrarily. He pointed out that scrutiny by Parliament, the media, and civil society places pressure on the government to exercise this power carefully and responsibly, thereby serving as a safeguard mechanism rather than a threat to the board's integrity.
Meanwhile, the Dewan Negara also passed the Rukun Tetangga (Amendment) Bill 2025 under the Ministry of National Unity. The amendments address the appointment period of Rukun Tetangga Committee members (AJKRT) and streamline provisions in the Rukun Tetangga Act 2012 (Act 751). Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang explained that the new definition of an 'interested person' under the amendments includes individuals who live outside a Rukun Tetangga Area (KRT) but conduct business, work, or have immediate family ties within the area concerned.
Dagang noted that candidates' backgrounds will be thoroughly vetted before appointments are made in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. Permanent residents (PRs) are not allowed to serve as members of the Rukun Tetangga Committee (AJKRT) due to group insurance coverage, which applies only to Malaysian citizens, and considerations of national sovereignty and security. The first amendment sets the appointment period for AJKRT members at three years per term, limited to two consecutive terms or a maximum of six years, with any additional term subject to the approval of the Director General of Rukun Tetangga. The second amendment strengthens the Act by introducing a new definition of 'interested person', limiting AJKRT appointments to citizens, and providing for matters related to the revocation of appointments, resignations, enhanced membership requirements, and the implementation of the Voluntary Patrol Scheme.