Basic Law
The Basic Law in Malaysia refers to the Federal Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. The Federal Constitution sets out the fundamental principles and rules that govern the nation, including the structure and functions of the government, the rights and obligations of citizens, and the relationship between the federal government and the states.
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The Federal Constitution was adopted on 27 August 1957 when Malaysia gained independence from the British. It has been amended several times since then, with the latest amendment in 2021.
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The Federal Constitution provides for a federal system of government, where power is divided between the federal government and the thirteen states of Malaysia. It also guarantees certain fundamental rights to citizens, such as the freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and the right to equality before the law.
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In addition to the Federal Constitution, each state in Malaysia also has its own state constitution that outlines the powers and responsibilities of the state government. However, the Federal Constitution is supreme, and any state law that is inconsistent with it is void.
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Overall, the Basic Law in Malaysia is the Federal Constitution, which serves as the foundation for the governance and legal system of the country.
there are several other types of laws that are applicable in Malaysia, in addition to the Federal Constitution. These include:
1
Statutory Law
Statutory laws: These are laws that are created by the federal and state legislatures through the enactment of Acts and ordinances. Statutory laws cover a wide range of areas, including criminal law, commercial law, employment law, and environmental law.
2
Common Law
The common law is a system of law that is based on judicial decisions and precedents, rather than statutory law. In Malaysia, the common law is derived from the English common law system, which was in place during the colonial era.
3
International Law
Malaysia is a signatory to various international treaties and conventions, and international law is also applicable in the country. This includes human rights law, trade law, and environmental law.
4
Syariah Law
These are laws that are based on Islamic principles and are applicable to Muslims in Malaysia. Shariah laws cover areas such as family law, inheritance, and criminal offenses such as theft and adultery.