Malaysia legislation

Section 22

of LEGAL AID AND PUBLIC DEFENCE ACT 2026

Section 22

(a)

conduct any investigation as the Director General deems fit regarding—

(i)

the applicant’s means and condition;

(ii)

the merits of the case; and

(iii)

the need to refer the application to the

Director General of Social Welfare including the State Director of Social Welfare of each of the States for a report on the applicant’s means and condition;

(b)

require the applicant to provide any information, particulars or documents as required by the Director

General for the purpose of considering the application;

(c)

require the applicant to appear in person before the

Director General or an appointed officer;

(d)

refer the application or any matter arising in the application to any panel of solicitors to—

(i)

investigate the facts and make a report regarding the facts; or

(ii)

give any opinion on the facts or on any question of law arising in the application;

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(e)

take or direct to take any necessary steps to protect the interest of the applicant pending the decision of his application; and

(f)

pay expenses incidental to any of the above-mentioned matters from moneys allocated for that purpose.

(2)

The Director General may reject any application under subsection (1) if the applicant fails to provide any information, particulars or documents as required by the Director General.

Issuance of legal aid certificate in civil and syariah proceedings

Section 22 — LEGAL AID AND PUBLIC DEFENCE ACT 2026