Azalina: Land acquisition must uphold rule of law, respect constitutional safeguards

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), emphasized that challenging decisions related to compulsory land acquisition is not disloyalty, but rather a crucial aspect of maintaining the rule of law. As Malaysia continues to advance economically and modernize its infrastructure, compulsory land acquisition remains a sensitive public responsibility that demands transparency, procedural fairness, and appropriate compensation.

Speaking at the launch of a book titled "Challenging Land Acquisition in Malaysia," Azalina stated that the pace of development must not surpass the established governance standards and constitutional safeguards. She stressed that while the completion of major infrastructure projects like railways, industrial hubs, and highways signifies progress, the government must also ensure that the entities responsible for such powers act responsibly and in compliance with the law.

Azalina highlighted that merely building structures does not determine a nation's worth; the rule of law defines its character. She further appreciated the legal community for producing scholarly and practical works that enhance legal knowledge and guide future practitioners.