Federal Court judge Justice Dato’ Nordin bin Hassan today emphasised that judicial independence and integrity must remain firmly protected amid rapid technological, political and institutional changes affecting legal systems worldwide.

Image above: The Honourable Justice Dato’ Nordin bin Hassan delivering the Opening Keynote Address at the World Judicial Integrity Forum (WJIF) 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the inaugural World Judicial Integrity Forum (WJIF) 2026 in Bangkok, Dato’ Nordin said the judiciary must continue to uphold public trust, impartiality and the rule of law even as courts increasingly adopt digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).

Distinguished guests officiating the opening ceremony of WJIF 2026 during the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Rangsit University, Bangkok.

“The authority of the judiciary does not derive from force. It derives from trust,” he said during his opening keynote address at Rangsit University, Thailand.

The forum, themed “Justice, Reform, and Resilience: Towards a Global Legal Future”, brought together judges, legal practitioners, academics and policymakers from across Asia to discuss judicial integrity, court reforms, digital transformation and cross-border legal cooperation.

In his address, Dato’ Nordin warned against selective application of the law, stressing that judicial independence and accountability must operate together to preserve institutional legitimacy.

“If the law is applied selectively, it ceases to be law. It becomes discretion dressed in legality,” he said.

Mr C.Y. Cheah, Chairman of the International Strategy Institute (ISI), and Dato’ Setia Haji Nik Suhaimi bin Nik Sulaiman presenting a token of appreciation to The Honourable Justice Dato’ Nordin bin Hassan.

He also highlighted several ongoing reforms within the Malaysian judiciary, including the expansion of specialised courts, digitalisation of court systems, virtual hearings, improved case management and the establishment of the International Commercial and Admiralty Court for complex cross-border disputes.

On the growing role of AI and legal technology, Dato’ Nordin said courts must embrace innovation cautiously without compromising human judgment and judicial responsibility.

“A court may use technology, but it must never surrender judgment,” he said, adding that justice ultimately requires human reasoning, proportionality and moral responsibility.

The forum was jointly organised by the International Strategy Institute (ISI) and Rangsit University.

Also delivering keynote addresses were Dr Arthit Ourairat, Founding President of Rangsit University and former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, as well as Mr Pongdej Wanichkittikul, Presiding Justice of the Supreme Court of Thailand.

Dr Arthit Ourairat delivering the Special Keynote Address during WJIF 2026 in Bangkok.

In his remarks, Dr Arthit said public trust and institutional integrity remain essential foundations for stable societies, while Pongdej stressed that judicial integrity must continue to guide courts amid increasing technological transformation and global legal challenges.

WJIF 2026 marks the inaugural edition of the regional forum aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation among judicial institutions and legal communities across Asia.

For more information, visit https://istrategyglobal.org

This content is provided by IAF Strategy Sdn Bhd.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.