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The Malaysian Bar acknowledges the continued efforts of PEMUDAH (Pasukan Petugas Khas Pemudahcara Perniagaan) in strengthening Malaysia’s business environment and advancing regulatory reforms. Initiated in 2007 under the leadership of former Prime Minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, PEMUDAH was conceived to address long-standing inefficiencies in Government procedures that directly impact economic activity, and to build a business ecosystem rooted in efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Over the years, it has evolved into a significant platform for structured public-private engagement on matters of economic governance.
The Malaysian Bar has been actively involved in this reform agenda since the early years of PEMUDAH. Our participation in consultations, technical discussions, and reform proposals has focused primarily on legal and regulatory processes affecting the business community. These include matters relating to contract enforcement, property registration, licensing frameworks, insolvency mechanisms, and administrative efficiency within key legal institutions.
We recognise that the progress made under PEMUDAH has contributed to Malaysia’s earlier advancement in global “ease of doing business” rankings. However, there remains considerable ground to cover. Inconsistencies in the application of rules across different States and local authorities continue to cause confusion and unpredictability. While regulatory improvements have been implemented at the Federal level, their effectiveness often depends on uniform execution throughout the country. The Malaysian Bar believes that regulatory reform must not remain policy rhetoric, but ought to be institutionalised through binding commitments, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and regular review with measurable outcomes. The reforms must also be grounded in law, where appropriate, to ensure clarity, enforceability, and longevity.
In addition, PEMUDAH should take a more aggressive approach in reducing red tape for the private sector in its dealings with Government bodies and their agencies to improve the ease of doing business.
As a statutory body tasked with upholding the cause of justice without fear or favour, the Malaysian Bar considers its role vis-à-vis PEMUDAH and similar initiatives to be an extension of its responsibility to the public. We will continue to offer legal insights and practical feedback to policymakers, ensuring that legislative and regulatory frameworks remain responsive to the needs of the business community, while safeguarding fundamental legal principles. We will also continue to highlight areas where laws or their implementation infringe on fairness, efficiency, or access to justice.
A robust economy cannot exist without a sound legal system. Investor confidence, both domestic and international, depends not just on ease of doing business, but also on fairness, predictability, and trust in the rule of law. The Malaysian Bar is committed to working alongside PEMUDAH, Government agencies, and the private sector, to ensure that Malaysia’s regulatory reforms serve these broader purposes. We urge all stakeholders to remain focused, coordinated, and committed to reforms that deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes for the country.
Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab
President
Malaysian Bar
4 June 2025