KUCHING – Malaysia has reinforced its commitment to international collaboration in legal and regulatory reform during a courtesy meeting with Dr Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH).
The discussion, held at the Chief Secretary’s office, focused on enhancing cooperation between Malaysia and the HCCH in advancing public service reform through the adoption of global best practices.
Dr Bernasconi, who has led the HCCH since 2013, has been instrumental in expanding the organisation’s reach and influence. Under his leadership, the HCCH has continued to unify rules of private international law, providing clarity in areas such as cross-border litigation, family law, and commercial transactions.
The HCCH, established in 1893, remains the world’s oldest intergovernmental organisation dedicated to harmonising legal frameworks across borders.
Today, it counts 85 members, including the European Union, and has seen its membership nearly double in the past two decades.
Malaysia’s Chief Secretary of State, Shamsul Azri bin Abu Bakar, emphasised the country’s support for international cooperation, noting that Malaysia consistently backs the implementation of global standards to strengthen governance and improve efficiency in public administration.
He highlighted that such collaboration is vital for ensuring legal certainty and predictability in cross-border relations, which in turn supports trade, investment, and peaceful international engagement.
The HCCH has played a pivotal role in shaping conventions that govern international family protection, adoption, child abduction, and commercial law.
Its work has provided nations with frameworks to manage complex cross-border legal challenges, offering predictability and stability in international dealings.
Malaysia’s engagement with the HCCH reflects its broader ambition to align domestic reforms with international standards, ensuring that its legal and regulatory systems remain modern, transparent, and globally recognised.
Dr Bernasconi’s visit also underscored the importance of knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Malaysia’s participation in HCCH initiatives is expected to strengthen its ability to manage cross-border legal matters, particularly in areas such as family law, commercial disputes, and the recognition of foreign judgements.
These efforts are seen as crucial in supporting Malaysia’s long-term development goals and enhancing its role in international legal cooperation.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to closer collaboration. Malaysia’s continued engagement with the HCCH is expected to contribute to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and stronger international partnerships.
This step reflects Malaysia’s determination to remain an active participant in shaping global legal frameworks that benefit both its citizens and the wider international community.
