Malaysia to introduce new rules on AI use in court within next few weeks, says Chief Justice

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Malaysia's Chief Justice, Tun Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, announced that the judiciary will soon issue new rules governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in court proceedings. The Chief Justice made the announcement during his keynote address at the International Malaysia Law Conference 2026. He emphasized the need to address concerns over the reliability of AI-generated legal submissions, which could contain inaccuracies despite appearing polished and persuasive.

The new practice direction, expected to be introduced within the next few weeks, will apply to lawyers and court officers involved in legal proceedings. Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid stressed that while AI technology can accelerate the administration of justice, it should never replace human judgment, particularly when courts must exercise discretion.

He cited Malaysia's 2023 reforms, which abolished the mandatory death penalty, as an example of judicial discretion's importance in ensuring fairness. The Chief Justice also highlighted the human considerations required in administering justice, such as balancing the rights of accused persons with the interests of victims. He reminded judges and legal practitioners of the importance of intellectual honesty, particularly as technology continues to transform the legal profession.

For judges, this means ensuring judgments reflect a proper understanding of the facts and law, including addressing arguments that challenge their conclusions. Lawyers must accurately cite legal authorities and provide honest advice to clients, especially when the legal position remains uncertain. The Chief Justice emphasized that judges must decide cases based on the law and evidence without succumbing to public pressure or external influence.

He encouraged the use of AI in legal proceedings but cautioned against excessive reliance on technology, warning that this could undermine human reasoning and critical thinking.