The National Legal Aid Foundation (“NLAF”) was incorporated on 25 January 2011 as a result of a decision made at a Cabinet meeting on 3 March 2010.

The suggestion of setting up the NLAF arose during a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chairman and other members of the Bar Council Malaysia, which took place on 7 Jan 2010. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was informed that an estimated 80% of those tried in court for criminal offences did not have legal representation. With the formation of the NLAF those who cannot afford legal fees will be provided legal assistance by the NLAF. Lawyers who provide legal services through the NLAF will receive only nominal payments since providing such assistance is part of their social responsibility. To set up the NLAF, a launching grant of RM5 million is needed from the Government. 
  
On the meeting held on 3 March 2010, the Cabinet agreed that the NLAF would be formed under the Companies Commission of Malaysia. As a consequence of this, a series of meetings involving the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), Legal Aid Department (JBG), Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) and the Malaysian Bar Council were held to discuss the forming of the NLAF. The proposal was finalised on 11 Oct 2010 at a meeting chaired by the Attorney General of Malaysia.

The NLAF is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by the Attorney General. Other members are the Bar Council President, Secretary General of Treasury, the Director General of Legal Affairs Division, the Director General of Welfare Department, the Director General of Legal Aid Department, President of the Sabah Law Association, President of the Sarawak Advocates Association, a Dean of the Faculty of Law in public learning institution and two representatives from the non-governmental organisations to be appointed by the Minister.