AIAC Sarawak strengthens access to justice, investor confidence - Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Oct: An agreement related to the Asian International Weightlifting Centre (AIAC) branch office in Sarawak is scheduled to be signed on 19 October, thereby strengthening access to dispute resolution services for business, industry and communities in the state as well as Borneo region.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that the agreement will be signed before the Sarawak Premier and the Minister in the Department of Prime Minister (Laws and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, reflecting the commitment of the Federal government as well as the states to development of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

"Our goal is not just to create another institutional presence. It is to build a stronger, more accessible and interconnected ADR ecosystem, which meets local needs while contributing to regional growth", he said as he was finalising the AIAC-organized Asia ADR Week 2026 main conference, here today.

He also welcomed the AIAC's cooperation with dispute resolution institutions and local professional bodies in Borneo, as well as wanted to strengthen the relationship through joint initiatives and increased awareness of ADR.

At the same time, Fadillah stressed that rules and laws alone are not enough to build the credibility of dispute resolution institutions without enforcement which reflect fairness and professionalism.

"That credibility must be consistently demonstrated through transparent governance, impartial decision-making and professional excellence. The exceptional principles, freedom and integrity remain our foundation", he said.

According to him, the principles were upheld by three AIAC milestones: a board of directors, a balanced administrative body and the office of the chief executive officer, to ensure that the institution continues to gain consumer trust as well as strengthen confidence in the country's legislative ecosystem.

Fadillah said that an effective dispute resolution system is also part of Malaysia's economic infrastructure, which supports ease of doing business and the continuity of foreign investment flows as the country attracts investments in infrastructure, energy, technology and advanced industries sectors.

"Investors need more than solid policies and commercial opportunities. They need confidence that disputes will be handled fairly, efficiently and with a predictable process, especially across borders", he said.

In this regard, he said the development of legislative and institutional infrastructure should move along with physical and digital infrastructure, especially when the priorities of Budget 2027 in economic development, investment and institutional reform translate into projects, contracts and commercial activities.