Kuala lumpur: The Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill 2025, aimed at reforming and upgrading legal aid services, was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, announced that the second and third readings will also be held in the current sitting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the official printed version of the Bill distributed in Parliament seeks to repeal the Legal Aid Act 1971 (Act 26) and upgrade legal aid services in criminal proceedings by reconstituting them as public defence services. The proposed law includes the creation of two new positions: chief public defender and public defender. These roles will be open to legally qualified candidates possessing recognised academic credentials, practical skills, and litigation experience. Currently, the director-general is appointed from among civil service officers.

The proposed Bill also aims to extend legal companion services to all children, irrespective of their citizenship status. Chapter 4 of the Bill outlines that these services may include advising guardians or protectors on legal issues related to proceedings listed in the Third Schedule. Additionally, the services cover gathering information pertinent to charges in criminal cases where the assisted person is a victim and accompanying them in court proceedings. With court approval, representatives may also speak on their behalf if necessary.

Furthermore, the Bill is expected to result in additional government expenditure, though the specific amount has yet to be determined.