Malaysia tables amendment bill to let certain criminal records become spent
The Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons (Amendment) Bill 2026 was introduced for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat, with Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah saying it will be debated again later this session.
In Kuala Lumpur, the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons (Amendment) Bill 2026 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat, with Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah indicating a second-reading debate will occur during one outlet sitting. The bill introduces a "crime-free period" concept, allowing the particulars of a person convicted of a registrable offence to become spent after meeting criteria outlined in new sections 13a, 13b and 13c. Section 13a defines the eligibility requirements and applicable period, while section 13b treats spent particulars as if the conviction never existed, though they remain on the register for record-keeping.
Section 13c provides for revival of spent particulars if the individual reoffends during or after the period, treating the record as never having been spent. Additional clauses amend Section 2, empower the minister to amend the Fourth Schedule, and list offences that are ineligible for spending, with a saving provision included. The proposal is not expected to create any extra government expenditure.
Why it matters
It could change how past convictions affect individuals' rights and opportunities in Malaysia.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the same procedural facts about the bill’s first reading, but the right-leaning coverage highlights the new "crime-free period" and its effects, while the centrist coverage sticks to the basic description of the amendment’s purpose.
CENTER
Centrist coverage presents the bill’s procedural progress and stated aim to allow expiration of certain criminal records in a straightforward manner.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the bill around the "crime-free period" concept, stressing that spent records are treated as if the conviction never existed and can be revived if the individual reoffends.
The right emphasises
- the bill introduces a "crime-free period" concept
- spent particulars are treated as if the conviction never existed, though they stay on the register
- spent particulars can be revived if the individual reoffends during or after the period
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