KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Reforms involving the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), including the establishment of the AIAC Court of Arbitration, are aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s credibility as a trusted international hub for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said the government's commitment to supporting AIAC while respecting its independence and impartiality was crucial in building confidence among businesses and investors in the country’s arbitration framework.
“The establishment of the AIAC Court of Arbitration, together with the privileges and immunities provided under the host country agreement, reinforces the government's commitment to strengthening the institution.
“These reforms strengthen Malaysia’s position as a trusted jurisdiction for businesses and investors worldwide, assuring them that their commercial disputes are in good hands,” she said in her special address at the launch of Asia ADR Week 2026 here today.
Present were Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Court of Appeal President Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Jais and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kula Segaran.
Azalina said a trusted arbitration jurisdiction required a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing legal infrastructure, judicial support, institutional independence and readiness, as well as business-friendly government policies to facilitate cross-border commercial activities.
“Malaysia must not merely participate in the global arbitration landscape, but we must also aspire to shape its future.
“AIAC's growing international recognition is encouraging, but this must also translate into greater commercial confidence, stronger investment opportunities and meaningful economic benefits for Malaysia,” she said.
As AIAC approaches its 50th anniversary in 2028, Azalina said its success should be measured not only by the number of arbitration cases handled, but also by its ability to build confidence, provide commercial certainty and contribute to economic growth and access to justice, guided by institutional independence, good governance and quality service.
-- BERNAMA