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Lawyers must 'uphold sanctity of the courts'
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Nazrin: Courts not opera houses
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Legal practitioners duty bound to uphold sovereignty of judicial system, says
Raja Nazrin
©The
Sun (Used by permission)
by Llew-Ann Phang
PETALING JAYA (Feb 19, 2008): The courts should not be seen as a theatrical
stage for the aristocrats armed with scripts written by directors nor should
they become a field for political mileage, said Perak Regent Raja Dr Nazrin
Shah.
In his keynote address at the 13th Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP)
convocation in Putra World Trade Centre today, he emphasised that the court is
an institution which guarantees justice.
It is where maltreatment gets defence, and it speaks one language – the
upholding of truth and justice for the rich and poor, the high-ranking and the
laymen, the powerful and those being led by them, he said.
“The legal practice is based on a high legal code of ethics that strengthens the
democratic system in the country, provides an appropriate check and balance
mechanism between the legislative powers, the executive powers and the
judiciary, as written in the Federal Constitution,"aja Nasrin said.
“A fair legal system which has the people’s confidence is a pre-condition to
ensure that the country’s peace is not threatened. An impartial legal system is
an effective instrument to keep the people away from seeking other damaging
alternatives which can bring the country towards anarchy."
He said law practitioners should make examples of themselves and set standards
to the people to respect the law and refrain from jeering the court.
“Practitioners must, at all times, uphold the court’s sanctity and prevent it
from being deviated by the irresponsible," he said.
“Law does not bring meaning if it is only a compilation of sacred words in a
code, enactment, and an act, and then steered with sinful acts disrespecting the
profession.
“Legal values are set in the nobility of its implementation by those entrusted
and respected with ensuring that the law is carried out."
Raja Nazrin also held that if sovereignty of law is upheld transparently and
convincingly, it will be an important component to increase the confidence of
those outside, especially foreign investors.
In the field of economy, he said capable and well-informed lawyers should be
prepared to cross borders with the capability to offer services at an
international level.
In doing so and garnering experience in the global arena, he said, the good name
and integrity of legal services in Malaysia must be preserved to avoid
prejudiced views upon the other practitioners in the country.
“This would demand legal professional bodies to introduce stringent criteria in
ensuring this,” Raja Nazrin said, reminding the graduates that in their chase to
realise their ambitions, they should ensure that the pathway chosen does not
clash with values taught by faith and moral values of humanity.
He also told them to avoid being involved or caught in dishonest acts, including
breach of trust, lies and bribery.
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Circular No 297/2008
