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Malaysia has made a significant leap in the Rule of Law Index in 2023, defying the disconcerting global trend of declining rule of law. The World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index, released annually, has been a crucial barometer of a nation’s adherence to the rule of law. In this year’s index, Malaysia found itself in the 55th position out of 142 countries, marking an improvement over previous years.
The 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index paints a grim picture on the state of rule of law around the world, with the rule of law declining in 59% of countries surveyed. This marks the sixth consecutive year of global declines in this crucial area, showcasing the urgency of the situation. Malaysia, however, stands out as one of the few nations that have seen an increase in their rule of law score this year.
William H. Neukom, the co-founder and president of the WJP, underlines the gravity of the situation, stating, “The world remains gripped by a rule of law recession characterized by executive overreach, curtailing of human rights, and justice systems that are failing to meet people’s needs.”
Regional and global ranking
In the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia ranks 7th out of 15 countries. This regional comparison provides valuable context, allowing us to see how Malaysia performs relative to its neighbors. New Zealand leads the region, standing at the 8th position globally, followed by Australia and Japan. The region also has its challenges, with the Philippines, Myanmar, and Cambodia ranking 141st globally, showcasing their significant struggles in upholding the rule of law.
The WJP Index highlights that in the last year, 10 out of 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region have experienced a decline in their rule of law scores. The fact that Malaysia is among the minority of countries showing improvement demonstrates it’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law in the region.
In the global rankings, Malaysia is at the 55th position out of 142 countries. It’s crucial to note that the top-ranked country in the 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index is Denmark, followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany. On the other end of the spectrum, Venezuela, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo occupy the lowest positions.
Malaysia’s progress: A closer look at factors
The improvement in Malaysia’s Rule of Law Index score underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to fortifying its legal framework, even in the face of global challenges. While many countries have seen a decline in their rule of law rankings, Malaysia has managed to defy these odds by increasing its score. A closer examination of Malaysia’s performance in individual factors measured by the Index reveals substantial progress.
One of the most notable achievements in Malaysia’s progress is the resilience of Fundamental Rights, a factor that has declined in 77% of countries worldwide. Malaysia’s ability to hold firm in preserving fundamental liberties highlights the country’s dedication to upholding human rights. Additionally, Constraints on Government Powers, another pivotal factor in the Index, has shown improvement, with Malaysia ranking 7th out of 15 regionally. This position reflects the nation’s capacity to maintain a balanced distribution of power, a crucial aspect in a world where executive authority often overshadows other branches of government.
In the Absence of Corruption, Malaysia is positioned at 7th in the region and 10th in income rank. Open Government and Order and Security factors see Malaysia at 12th and 8th in the region, respectively. These rankings are indicative of the nation’s commitment to maintaining a rule of law that emphasizes transparency and security for its citizens.
Challenges in Civil and Criminal Justice Systems
Despite these improvements, Malaysia does face challenges in its civil and criminal justice systems. The Index reveals that, like many other nations, two-thirds of countries observed a drop in their Index scores for Civil Justice in 2023, reflecting issues such as justice delays and weaker enforcement. Similar trends are seen in the Criminal Justice category, with scores falling slightly more this year compared to the previous year. These challenges underscore the importance of continued efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Malaysia’s justice systems to ensure timely and fair access to justice.
While the global trends in the rule of law remain disheartening, Malaysia’s progress in the 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index is a glimmer of hope. The nation’s dedication to preserving fundamental rights and maintaining constraints on government powers has contributed to its improved ranking. Despite challenges in the civil and criminal justice systems, Malaysia’s resilience in upholding the rule of law showcases a commitment to progress.
To explore Malaysia’s performance across all 44 subfactors measured in the Index, please visit: https://www.worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/country/2023/Malaysia
