Malaysia Rule of Law
Rule of Law RL.EST
Malaysia's rule of law was 0.61 in 2025, ranked 60th globally. This represents a 5.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's rule of law stood at 0.61 in 2025, a rise of +0.03 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.61 by 2025. Malaysia ranked 60th globally.
Malaysia’s Rule of Law score, measured by the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, has risen modestly over the 26‑year series from 0.52 in 1996 to an all‑time peak of 0.61 in 2025, placing the country at rank 60 globally. The index’s lowest point occurred in 2000, when the score fell to 0.20, reflecting a period of institutional weakness that was later reversed through judicial reforms and anti‑corruption initiatives. The 2025 level matches the scores of peer small‑state economies such as Malta (0.61) and Dominica (0.61), suggesting that Malaysia now performs on par with nations that have relatively strong legal frameworks despite differing sizes and regional contexts. The gradual upward trajectory since the early 2000s indicates improving procedural fairness and enforcement of contracts, yet the modest gap from the top‑tier performers signals room for further enhancement. Continued investment in judicial independence and transparent law‑making is likely to sustain the positive trend and could lift Malaysia’s standing in future assessments.
Data & projection
| Year | Rule of Law | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.62 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.61 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.61 | +0.03 | #60 |
| 2023 | 0.57 | +0.01 | #64 |
| 2022 | 0.56 | +0.03 | #63 |
| 2021 | 0.53 | −0.04 | #62 |
| 2020 | 0.57 | +0.08 | #62 |
| 2019 | 0.49 | −0.04 | #64 |
| 2018 | 0.53 | +0.14 | #60 |
| 2017 | 0.39 | +0.00 | #72 |
| 2016 | 0.39 | −0.01 | #71 |
| 2015 | 0.40 | −0.12 | #68 |
| 2014 | 0.52 | +0.18 | #57 |
| 2013 | 0.34 | −0.04 | #75 |
| 2012 | 0.38 | −0.02 | #72 |
| 2011 | 0.40 | +0.01 | #73 |
| 2010 | 0.39 | +0.02 | #74 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw rule of law improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's rule of law was 0.61 in 2025. Ranked 60th globally. This represents a 5.9% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia's rule of law peaked at 0.61 in 2025.
The lowest rule of law in Malaysia was 0.20 in 2000.
Malaysia ranks 60th globally in rule of law as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RL.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Malaysia's rule of law is projected to reach 0.61 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The rule of law of Malaysia in 2025 was 0.61. This ranks 60th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_rule-of-law,
title = {Malaysia Rule of Law},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/rule-of-law/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}