KUALA LUMPUR: The need to embrace new innovations, such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is essential in arbitration to move forward in this challenging world, said Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
"Integrating AI offers great promise for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and streamlining complex processes within international arbitration," said the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform).
However, Azalina added that it is equally critical to ensure that this integration does not compromise the integrity, impartiality, and fairness that are fundamental to ADR.
She made these remarks during her keynote address at the 'Kuala Lumpur Forum on International Arbitration 2024: The Future of International Arbitration: Reforms and Innovation', which was jointly organised by the Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister's Department (BHEUU, JPM) and the Asian International Arbitration Center (AIAC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today.
"This Kuala Lumpur forum will serve as a platform for discussing the best methods of integrating AI into international arbitration, focusing on both enhancing its efficiency and maintaining its integrity," said Azalina.
Azalina also urged her Asean counterparts to explore mechanisms for regional cooperation on the AI roadmap for alternative dispute resolution, ensuring that innovation serves the shared principles and strengthens the region's standing in global arbitration practices.
"The Government of Malaysia, through BHEUU, JPM, intends to launch a comprehensive roadmap to My Digital Justice, aimed at the Malaysian legal sector.
"This roadmap is in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Digital, as well as key stakeholders such as the Attorney General's Chambers, the Malaysian Bar, and State Bar Councils; aiming to significantly enhance digital capabilities within the legal sector," added Azalina.
In a press conference after her keynote speech, Azalina further urged that all Asean countries use AI as a roadmap for the digital landscape.
"If all Asean countries could adopt AI, it would facilitate various approaches, especially since some court documents are in their respective languages, while we use Bahasa Malaysia; technology would help expedite several elements," added Azalina.