The attorney-general has reportedly called for the return of jury trials, abolished over a decade ago, saying Malaysians are now educated enough to decide on court cases.

Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail said Malaysians had matured since trials by jury were dropped, and that people were now able to mull over the facts of a case.

"People are more well-read, well-informed and competent in discussing current issues. You can see this from the depth of public comments in the papers," he told the New Straits Times in an interview published on Saturday.

"I'm confident in the public's ability to participate in our trials," he added.

Jury trials abolished in 1995

Malaysia abolished jury trials 11 years ago, with then-law minister Syed Hamid Albar arguing it would hasten court proceedings, and citing difficulties in finding qualified jurors, said the newspaper.

The government also said at the time that ordinary Malaysians were ill-equipped to weigh up evidence and decide on the fate of an accused person, it said.

But Abdul Gani discounted those ideas, saying Malaysians were now more aware of the law and their legal rights.

"To say, 'we can't believe or trust laymen', no, that can't be right. People are more aware of their rights now," he said.