(Bangkok, 16th) Malaysian Federal Court Judge Nordin Hasan emphasized that in the digital age, judges must actively engage with and understand legal technology, but must never become overly reliant on technology so as not to affect judicial judgment.
He pointed out that the Malaysian judiciary has a clear stance: technology should be used well, but it must be employed with discipline and caution. In addition to mastering technological tools, judges also need to understand their impacts and potential risks.
He said that electronic court systems, online dispute resolution mechanisms, and digital evidence processing all require judges to not only possess legal knowledge, but also a certain level of digital literacy, including the ability to apply innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
However, he reminded that although technology can improve efficiency, strengthen data analysis, and facilitate judicial proceedings, the greatest risk is not that technology will replace judges, but that the judiciary will become overly dependent on technology. In the long run, automated systems may even imperceptibly influence judicial judgment, so judicial institutions must always remain vigilant.
"The courts can use technology, but must never forsake judicial judgment."
Nordin Hasan made these remarks at the opening of the first "2026 World Judicial Integrity Forum" organized by the Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies, held at Rangsit University in Bangkok, Thailand.
He said that to continuously uphold the spirit of the rule of law amidst the challenges brought about by digital transformation, political changes, and economic restructuring, it is necessary to further strengthen institutional independence, enhance governance transparency, and maintain public trust in the judicial system.
He pointed out that the legal system must be constantly adjusted in line with the times to meet new challenges, but must never sacrifice the core values of judicial justice. No matter how society changes, no one can stand above the law.
He also mentioned that the term "rule of law" is now often cited by people of differing political stances to support their respective viewpoints. Although the rule of law imposes restraints on those in power and has strong legitimacy and public credibility, at times it may also be used by some to maintain only the appearance of the rule of law while undermining its substantive requirements.
Nordin Hasan emphasized that maintaining the rule of law relies on a sound and steadfast professional legal community and judiciary that upholds the spirit of the law. Judges bear the responsibility of upholding the dignity of the law and the fairness of judicial proceedings, and must strive to maintain public confidence in the judicial system.
He said that judicial independence is a key core of the rule of law system. Judges must make decisions independently, free from external interference or pressure, and the executive and legislative branches should not exert any form of interference on the judiciary.
He stated that in recent years, Malaysia has gradually implemented a number of judicial reforms, including the continued promotion of court digitalization, electronic filing systems, and online hearings to enhance judicial convenience and reduce case delays, while also continuously improving case management mechanisms and reducing case backlogs, ensuring that justice is not only implemented but also delivered promptly.
