KOTA TINGGI, June 2 — Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties should consider fielding young and new faces as candidates in the upcoming Johor state election, particularly in constituencies with a high percentage of young voters, Umno Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said.

The move would not only have a positive impact on BN but would also create opportunities for a new generation of leaders to emerge as the party’s future leadership through the state legislative assembly, she added.

“We have to accept the reality that many young people are now voters. Even in my constituency, about 40 per cent of the electorate are young voters. My hope is that this will be given emphasis,” she told a press conference after launching the Madani Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Tanjung Serindit here today.

She pointed out that the final decision on candidate selection rests entirely with the state BN leadership and political bureau.

At the same time, Azalina, who is also Pengerang MP, expressed hope that the two incumbent state assemblymen under her parliamentary constituency — Aznan Tamin (Tanjung Surat) and Fauziah Misri (Penawar) — would be retained as candidates for this election, and that the election would proceed in the spirit of democracy, free from violence or any untoward incidents.

On the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly, Azalina said the state government under Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had the right to dissolve the assembly with the consent of the Johor Palace.

According to her, the decision was made following continued positive support from the people of Johor for the state government’s leadership under BN.

“Perhaps with what has happened, such as the Umno 80th Anniversary Celebration at Istana Besar Johor and Johor Darul Ta’zim’s 12th Super League title victory, I see a great deal of positive support from the people of Johor towards the state government’s leadership. Maybe these are among the factors,” she said.

Yesterday, Onn Hafiz announced the dissolution of the Johor State Legislative Assembly with effect from June 1 after receiving the consent of Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — The dissolution of the Johor state legislative assembly is timely as the state government is currently in its strongest position, backed by positive public support for the current leadership, says Umno Information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

According to Kosmo! Online, Azalina, said the announcement by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi falls within the state government’s rights and discretion.

“Talk about Johor dissolving the assembly has been ongoing for some time; it was only a matter of timing. We even said Melaka should come first before Johor, but now Johor is first,” she said.

“Perhaps with what has happened recently, the 80th Umno anniversary at the Johor Istana Besar, and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winning the Super League title for the 12th consecutive season, I see strong positive support from the people of Johor towards the state leadership.”

She added that the state election process should be conducted with a strong emphasis on democratic principles and calm conduct.

“If possible, we must emphasise the democratic element. There should be no violence or issues arising. From a legal standpoint, we must understand the norms of elections in our system,” she said.

Azalina, who is also minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said candidate selection lies with the political bureau and the state Barisan Nasional leadership, which apply their own evaluation criteria.

However, she stressed that young voters are a key demographic that cannot be ignored, as they now make up a significant portion of the political landscape.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Members of the Cabinet today extended their congratulations and offered prayers in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the ministry’s staff and the office of the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai.

“With utmost respect and loyalty, I, together with all staff of the Ministry of Communications and the office of the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, extend our respectful salutations to His Majesty,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said prayed that His Majesty would be blessed with divine grace to continue safeguarding the people with wisdom, dignity and compassion for the prosperity and well-being of the nation.

“Together with all Malaysians, I pray that Allah SWT grants His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen long life and abundant blessings, bestows upon them continued good health and lasting well-being, and keeps them under His protection and care at all times,” she said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, in a Facebook post, prayed that His Majesty’s reign, wisdom and compassion would continue to serve as a unifying force for Malaysians of diverse races, religions and cultures, fostering national unity and harmony.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also prayed to Allah SWT to bestow His blessings and guidance upon His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and the entire Johor royal family, and to grant them continued good health and enduring sovereignty.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir also extended his congratulations, praying that His Majesty and the royal family be blessed with lasting good health, longevity and prosperity, and continue to safeguard the nation and its people with wisdom and compassion.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, likewise, extended his highest congratulations and heartfelt loyalty to His Majesty in conjunction with the historic occasion. 

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, in a Facebook post, expressed hope that His Majesty’s reign would continue to inspire the people to preserve peace and strengthen national unity.

“May Malaysia continue to be blessed with peace, prosperity and unity, while all Malaysians enjoy a life of well-being, harmony and progress,” he said.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also prayed that His Majesty would continue to be blessed with good health as he reigns under the system of Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy.

Congratulatory messages were also conveyed by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek; Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin; and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

Others who also extended their greetings and best wishes included Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh; Youth and Sports Minister Dr Muhammed Taufiq Johari; and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Parents may now be held legally liable for acts of bullying committed by their children under the Anti-Bullying Act 2026, which introduces the concept of shared family responsibility.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the provision is among the key reforms under the Act, extending accountability for bullying misconduct beyond the perpetrator to family members.

She said the approach differs from most criminal offences, which typically involve only the offender. 

In contrast, the Anti-Bullying Act incorporates an element of shared responsibility that may bind family members, including in relation to the payment of fines imposed.

“Under this Act, we have included a clause on parental responsibility. As such, matters such as the payment of fines and related penalties will also be binding on the family. We are transferring liability, or imposing joint liability, on the family,” she said.

She told reporters this after officiating the launch of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal headquarters at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) here today, which was also attended by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Azalina said the establishment of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal was driven by the alarming rise in bullying cases and their serious consequences, including incidents resulting in loss of life.

“We want to raise awareness among children about the seriousness of bullying and the fact that action can be taken through this channel. They must not regard bullying as a trivial matter,” she said.

A total of 56 tribunal members, comprising legal experts and specialists in child-related fields, have been appointed to handle cases referred to the tribunal.

According to her, the tribunal headquarters will operate from the AIAC, although proceedings may be conducted nationwide, including at schools, Legal Aid Department offices or online.

To broaden access to justice, six physical and virtual hearing zones have been established nationwide by optimising existing facilities under the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), the Insolvency Department, the Legal Aid Bureau and unused courtrooms.

She said victims also have the right to bring cases directly before the Anti-Bullying Tribunal if incidents occur outside school or hostel premises, without having to go through the management of the institution concerned.

To facilitate the submission of complaints, the tribunal has also established a public portal that allows cases to be registered online at https://tab.bheuu.gov.my/. — Bernama 

KOTA TINGGI, June 13 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said will seek an allocation under Budget 2027 to expand the establishment of Legal Aid Department (JBG) satellite offices to rural areas nationwide.

She said the move is important to ensure that the public, particularly those in remote and rural areas, have easier access to legal aid services and are aware of their rights to legal protection and assistance.

“When we talk about legal aid, we must provide protection to the people so that they know they have the right to obtain legal assistance.

“That is why I will apply for an allocation in next year’s budget. If we can establish more satellite offices in districts located far from state offices, it will make it easier for the public to access legal aid services,” she told reporters after officiating the JBG Satellite Office at the Pengerang Court in Bandar Penawar here today.

Elaborating further, Azalina, who is also the Member of Parliament for Pengerang, said the service would be further strengthened through the use of JBG mobile vans under the Justice on Wheels (JOW) programme, which can reach villages and remote areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

Azalina said the approach is in line with the government’s aspiration to bring legal aid services directly to the people rather than waiting for them to visit JBG offices.

“For me, there is no point amending the Legal Aid and Public Defence Bill if people do not know where to seek protection and assistance.

“I have also instructed the Director-General (of the department) to ensure that these services are provided in all areas, including constituencies represented by the opposition. We will send letters to every Member of Parliament so that they can choose suitable dates according to their respective states,” she said.

Earlier in her speech, Azalina said the opening of the JBG Pengerang Satellite Office marked a strategic step by the Madani Government in strengthening access to justice through legal aid services that are closer, more accessible and more responsive to the needs of the people.

She said the establishment of the satellite office would reduce the need for members of the public to travel long distances to obtain legal aid services, thereby saving time and costs.

The minister said the establishment of the JBG Pengerang Satellite Office was the result of collaboration among various stakeholders within the justice sector, particularly the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court of Malaysia.

She said the synergy among the relevant agencies demonstrated that efforts to expand access to justice require continuous commitment and cooperation to ensure that the services provided genuinely benefit the community.

“The opening of the JBG Pengerang Satellite Office will bring legal aid services closer to the people, in line with the Madani Government’s commitment to enhancing access to justice, because justice is not a privilege but a right of every citizen, ensuring that no one is left behind by the nation’s justice system,” she said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Negotiations on seat allocation for Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections are expected to be concluded next week, said Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

“We are currently in negotiations; insya-Allah, next week we will conclude everything,” he told reporters briefly when met after the launch of the Anti-Bullying Tribunal headquarters at the Asian International Arbitration Centre here today.

The launch was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

On BN’s campaign approach for both state polls, Asyraf Wajdi said the coalition would adopt a strategy of explaining policies and offering proposals that benefit the people.

“Within Umno and Barisan Nasional, we have made a clear decision in the previous Supreme Council meeting. We will not focus on attacking opponents or personal matters. We will state our policies and what we want to offer to the people.

“The president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) has already said that we should not touch on personal issues or expose anyone’s shame,” he said.

The Election Commission (EC) has set July 11 as polling day for the Johor state election, with June 27 as nomination day and July 7 for early voting.

The 2022 Johor state election saw BN win 40 of the 56 seats contested, followed by Pakatan Harapan (PH) with 12 seats, Perikatan Nasional (PN) with three and Muda with one.

For the Negeri Sembilan state election, the EC has set August 1 as polling day, while July 18 is nomination day and July 28 for early voting.

In the 2023 Negeri Sembilan state election, the PH-BN coalition form the state government after winning 31 of the 36 seats, with PH taking 17 seats, BN 14 and PN five. — Bernama 

SINGAPORE, June 4 — The deepening cooperation in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) between Singapore and Malaysia highlights the strong ties in legal and dispute resolution communities, said Singapore Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. 

The enhanced collaboration was formalised yesterday through the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), and between the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC) and AIAC.

Tong said the MOUs also project a shared commitment to providing businesses and investors with trusted, efficient, and effective avenues for resolving disputes. 

“As cross-border trade and investment continue to grow, collaboration between dispute resolution institutions becomes increasingly important. 

“These partnerships will create more opportunities for exchanges, knowledge-sharing, and joint initiatives, while strengthening the region’s dispute resolution ecosystem,” he said in a statement yesterday. 

The signing of the MOUs was witnessed by Tong and Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said after their meeting in Putrajaya.

The MOUs build on discussions between the two ministers on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Fiji in February 2026, where they explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in dispute resolution services.

“At today’s meeting, Tong and Azalina reaffirmed the close and enduring relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. 

“They discussed areas of mutual interest, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, the Singapore Convention on Mediation, and strengthening people-to-people ties,” said Singapore Ministry of Law. — Bernama