Gerik: New laws, such as the Corporate Manslaughter Act adopted in the United Kingdom (UK) and proposed for introduction in Malaysia, would establish broader and proportionate liability to companies, not just individuals, accountable in cases of accidents or management negligence.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said emphasized that under the Act, the entire organisation, including managers, engineers, and board members, could be prosecuted if found to have failed in upholding proper safety and operational standards. Azalina highlighted the importance of corporate accountability in incidents such as bridge collapses or bus accidents, stating that not only the immediate perpetrators like engineers or drivers should face consequences, but the entire hierarchy, including chief executive officers and board members, should bear responsibility.
Azalina, who is the Pengerang Member of Parliament, made these remarks while inspecting the progress of repair work on the Felda Air Tawar 1 Bridge. The driver involved in a recent bus crash on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway, which resulted in the deaths of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, was charged with dangerous driving. However, Azalina pointed out that often companies deflect blame onto drivers, neglecting their overall responsibility for the vehicles and operations under their control.
She stressed the necessity of these laws to ensure that companies cannot simply absolve themselves of responsibility, urging that Malaysia consider such legislation to enhance corporate governance and prevent future tragedies. Azalina also mentioned the significance of holding companies accountable to achieve justice for the victims and prevent recurrence of similar incidents.
Earlier in the day, Azalina received her instrument of appointment as the Honorary Commissioner of the Civil Defence Force (APM) from APM Chief Commissioner Datuk Aminurrahim Mohamed, alongside other appointments to key roles within the organization.