- The MREC is guided in its reflection, advice and decision by the ethical principles expressed in the Declaration of Helsinki (2013).
- The MREC makes further reference to the National and International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects (CIOMS), and the Belmont Report.
- The MREC establishes its own standard operating procedures based on the Operational Guidelines for Ethics Committees That Review Biomedical Research (WHO), and ICH as well as Malaysian Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.
- The MREC seeks to fulfil the requirements for international assurances and is established and functions in accordance with Malaysian law and regulations.
- The MREC seeks to be appropriately informed, by researchers and target populations of the impact of the research it has approved.