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DEPUTY Prime Minister II and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, highlighted the essential role of justice in fostering inclusive growth and resilience within the ASEAN Economic Community.
In a special address delivered at the ASEAN Law Forum 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre,he expressed his gratitude to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, for hosting the forum and the Prime Minister’s Office for championing the event, he described the gathering as “a testament to our collective commitment that justice — when made accessible — is not only the right of every citizen but also a necessary driver of growth, resilience, and trust in our institutions.”
Addressing the challenge of balancing rapid economic development with sustainable and systematic justice mechanisms, he stated, “How do we fuel sustainable development, attract investment, and deliver just outcomes in an era marked by constant transition and disruption? The answer lies in what is often quoted yet too often overlooked: the rule of law as economic infrastructure.”
He elaborated on the importance of the rule of law beyond jurisprudence, noting that “it plants the seeds of enterprise, fertilises market growth, and nurtures steady economic flourishing.”
He warned that without enforceable contracts, efficient dispute resolution, and legal clarity, confidence and prosperity inevitably erode.
Fadillah emphasised the growing significance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as “a vital instrument, offering speed, flexibility, and confidence beyond conventional courtroom litigation.”
He highlighted mechanisms such as adjudication, mediation, and arbitration as key to restoring trust among businesses, investors, government agencies, and the public in today’s volatile economy.
Reflecting on Malaysia’s ADR journey since the 1970s, he praised the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) for positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for arbitration and mediation.
“These efforts have been strengthened by many other organisations and stakeholders who share this vision,” he said.
He also cited the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 (CIPAA) as a pioneering model that has successfully provided “a fast, fair, and affordable mechanism for resolving construction payment disputes,” thereby empowering small and medium enterprises and safeguarding project continuity.
On the intersection of justice and sustainability, the Deputy Prime Minister remarked on the evolving role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. He said that dispute resolution mechanisms must rise to the challenge of new disputes related to climate change, environmental protection, and human rights, describing arbitration as “an anchor for ESG disputes” due to its neutrality and procedural flexibility.
As ASEAN pursues energy transition, sustainable water management, and climate resilience, he urged, “ESG must be more than a corporate metric. It should guide how governments design regulations, how institutions enforce standards, and how markets reward responsible behaviour.”
Fadillah underscored that a just transition involves fairness, inclusivity, and access to remedies. “Good governance rooted in justice is the strongest infrastructure any nation can build,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the ASEAN Law Forum would generate practical solutions to strengthen cooperation, enhance justice access, and promote inclusive growth.
He ended with a call to collective action: “Let us remember that the strength of ASEAN lies not only in our economies, but in our ability to uphold justice, fairness, and dignity for our people.
When laws are clear, when remedies are accessible, and when justice is delivered without fear or favour, we are not just protecting rights — we are building nations, inspiring confidence, and shaping a future where growth and equity walk hand in hand.”
“Together, let us commit to making this vision a reality — for ASEAN, and for generations to come.” - August 20, 2025
