The Attorney-General’s Chambers is reviewing a proposal for a special tribunal to handle compensation claims for crime victims’ families.
PETALING JAYA: The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) is reviewing a proposal to set up a special tribunal to handle compensation claims by families of crime victims.
Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar (pic) said the proposal requires careful study to assess its practicality and effectiveness, Berita Harian reports.
“If the tribunal is established, it must operate within the existing legal framework,” he said, adding that the AGC is currently examining the matter in detail.
The proposal was put forward by criminologists, who believe such a body could provide a more consistent approach to compensation instead of relying solely on criminal courts.
Universiti Malaya Faculty of Law senior lecturer Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid reportedly outlined four possible methods of implementation, including the use of a mixed panel.
Constitutional experts have generally welcomed the idea, noting that the tribunal would need to function separately from criminal proceedings.
However, Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association secretary-general Danial Farhan said setting up the tribunal would require legal amendments, administrative changes and new procedures.
He suggested mediation as a quicker, more practical and cost-effective alternative.
“Through mediation, families can directly negotiate compensation amounts and payment terms without filing civil suits. They would not need to wait for a tribunal to be established,” he said.
While supporting the tribunal in principle, Danial said mediation offers a more immediate and economical solution if the goal is to provide swift compensation.
He added that mediation could be carried out through existing platforms such as the courts, mediation centres or mechanisms overseen by prosecutors and lawyers.
According to him, reforms should focus on creating an accessible system rather than establishing new bodies.
“With a clear legal framework, agreements reached can be recorded as binding settlements. This helps to reduce legal costs and avoids further adversarial processes that may add to families’ distress,” he said.
The proposal comes amid calls from various parties, including politicians and legal experts, for compensation to be provided to families of victims in criminal cases, including those involving fatal accidents.
