A YEAR ago, during her speech at the University Malaya Law Faculty Jubilee celebration on June 17, de facto law and parliamentary reform minister Azalina Othman Said said:

“If laws are established for the people, then laws must evolve just as society progresses according to the values of the time. Archaic and regressive colonial-era laws should and must be repealed.

“Let us start with setting up a Law Reform Commission, an independent body that is not under the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), but led by preeminent members of the judiciary, Bar Council and academia.

“The commission will not only complement the work of the AGC but will also increase the efficiency of law-making processes. Retired judges, academics and politicians have years of accumulated experiences that we can draw upon, let us not waste great talents and minds.”

After calling for parliamentary reforms as well and perhaps all pent-up, she ended her speech as follows:

“As we celebrate UM Law Faculty’s 50th Jubilee, it is perhaps timely to remind eminent alumnus (sic) to “Walk the Talk”. There is no point in being the product of tradition and success, and yet still cautious of implementing changes needed to bring Malaysia on par with other developed nations.

“Aristotelean scholars, known as Peripatetics were known for their philosophical long walks. It is said that, if you’re going to talk the talk, let’s walk the walk. But for many Malaysians, suffice to say, we are tired of the “talking”. But as Lawmakers, let’s Walk the Talk!”

Azalina then was prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s special adviser on law and human rights.

It is perhaps timely she walk the talk. – June 21, 2023.

* Hafiz Hassan reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.