TOKYO: In a significant step toward strengthening regional legal frameworks, the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) have formalised a legal cooperation agreement aimed at advancing arbitration and dispute resolution initiatives. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during an official visit by Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, held from 15 to 17 May.
The MoU establishes a structured collaboration between the two arbitration bodies in areas such as commercial arbitration, institutional capacity building, and joint training initiatives. This strategic alignment is expected to culminate in further ministerial-level cooperation during the forthcoming Special Malaysia-Japan Dialogue on Legal Cooperation scheduled for August.
“This dialogue brings together government-recognised arbitration institutions from both nations with the aim of converting shared vision into actionable frameworks,” noted the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU) in an official statement.
Datuk Seri Azalina underscored the importance of transitioning from dialogue to implementation, stating that “real success in legal cooperation is measured by action.” She reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a robust regional legal ecosystem that not only supports the commercial sector but also enhances investor confidence and drives sustainable regional development.
The MoU also highlights the growing bilateral rapport between Malaysia and Japan in the legal sector. With Malaysia preparing to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the visit reinforces the country’s strategic direction in consolidating regional legal institutions to support sustainable development and integration efforts.
Further demonstrating international confidence in Malaysia’s reform agenda, Azalina presented Malaysia’s comprehensive legal transformation strategy during the visit. Japanese stakeholders expressed strong interest in initiatives such as the Drafting of the Online Safety Act (2024), proposed amendments to the Arbitration Act (2024) and Mediation Act 2012, and the Ratification of the Singapore Convention on Mediation. She also highlighted Malaysia’s legislative agenda, including the reinstatement of the Parliamentary Services Act (2025) and the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency.
The discussions also explored the establishment of a Special Mediation Task Force under the MADANI Government framework, positioning mediation as a cornerstone of dispute resolution. The initiative aims to improve access to justice, streamline litigation burdens, and offer cost-effective alternatives for conflict resolution.
Strategic engagements included discussions with the Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC) in Kyoto and a visit to Doshisha University’s Faculty of Law, which further underpinned Malaysia’s commitment to collaborative capacity building.
In addition to institutional dialogues, Azalina conducted a bilateral meeting with Japanese Minister of Justice Keisuke Suzuki, addressing shared legal reform priorities, digitalisation of justice systems, and the enhancement of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The mission represents a continuation of Malaysia’s regional legal diplomacy efforts, building on earlier engagements across ASEAN, including Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It also reflects Malaysia’s vision for a resilient, future-ready legal infrastructure that supports both national priorities and broader regional aspirations.
“This initiative not only deepens mutual trust but also sets the groundwork for a robust legal architecture capable of meeting the complex challenges of cross-border commerce and regional governance,” the BHEUU concluded.
-Bernama
