MACC’s proposal to broadcast live proceedings of high-profile corruption trials must first be examined against legal provisions before it can be implemented, said the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform).

To date, most court proceedings have been recorded in audio form, but none have ever been aired live, Azalina Othman Said noted.

“I am not sure what the legal regulations are, but approval from the court would be required. Normally, proceedings are recorded, mostly in audio form, which is already being done in many cases.

“However, if this matter is to be taken seriously, it would need to be discussed with the chief justice,” she told reporters after attending the monthly assembly and Jalur Gemilang flag-raising ceremony in Putrajaya today.

Boosting public confidence

Recently, MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki suggested that live telecasts of such proceedings could help boost public confidence in the judicial process.

Azam argued the move was necessary as some parties had been using social media to distort court facts, leading to baseless allegations.

MACC chief Azam Baki

Separately, Azalina expressed her appreciation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for proposing the creation of a dedicated Law Ministry to ensure the country’s legal ecosystem is better coordinated and integrated.

“That was the prime minister’s suggestion, and I thank him for it. He will evaluate the matter and make the decision,” she said.

Anwar had raised the idea on Aug 21, stressing that such a ministry would enable Malaysia to engage more meaningfully with regional partners in advancing the law, particularly within Asean.

- Bernama

MACC proposes better CCTVs in lockups, livestream of graft trials

MACC proposes better CCTVs in lockups, livestream of graft trials