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Kingsley Wambeck graduated from University of London in 2005. He completed his CLP in 2008 and was called to the Bar in November 2009. He recently set up his own practice in Malacca and handles a combination of conveyancing and general litigation matters. Kingsley shared some of his thoughts with Valerie Choo on the current issues of the day.

1.    It’s the start -of a brand new year. What are your wishes for 2010?

First of all, I would like to wish everyone a happy new year. I would like to create awareness amongst the public about their rights.

2.    You recently completed your pupilage. How do you think the pupilage system can be improved across the board?

The system can be further improved by exposing the pupils to both litigation and conveyancing as well, as some firms are more specialized in one area of law. There should be a balance between the two for the pupils to grasp the procedures in both areas more thoroughly.

3.    What inspired you to set up your own practice?

Life is full of challenges and I would like to give myself a chance to manage my own firm. I take challenges as opportunities to improve myself and not as obstacles.

4.    For years there have been growing criticisms that graduates are not suitably qualified for work. There have been complaints that they lack the knowledge, understanding and basic practical skills required. What is your general opinion on this?

Firstly, graduates should have positive mental attitude implanted in them. Having the right attitude in a person will carry them a long way. They should seek to ask senior lawyers and clerks or other staff for advice whenever necessary. Even though graduates have the academic qualifications, they lack the practical legal experience.

5.    A survey on the working conditions of junior lawyers in the Malaysia highlighted the pathetic state of affairs they have to put up with. Apparently, half of the junior lawyers are dissatisfied with their working conditions. What are your views?

The salary of a junior lawyer is comparatively low compared to the standard of living today and the workload that they have to endure. The salary has not increased much in the recent years and this has caused much hesitancy among those who want to pursue a career as lawyers as compared to working in the corporate world where they are paid much better.

6.    Having said that, many senior lawyers believe the initial low pay is part of the profession. They also believe that law colleges should restructure their curriculum to accommodate more time for internships and hands-on experience. What do you think?

Pay should accommodate the standard of living as everyone of us work hard to have a better salary to take care of our families. Yes, colleges should restructure their syllabus towards real life practice rather than focusing on more theories and textbooks. They should get the students involved in giving them real life cases and ways on how they would handle such cases.

7.    Lately discussion has been rife on the issue of Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT) where a fixed rate of 5% is imposed on gains from disposals of real property after 1st January 2010. What are your views on this?

It would be a burden on the public as the economy is still recovering from the recession. For the time being, the public already have to pay for legal fees and stamp duties. Adding the 5% RPGT will definitely put a bigger hole in the public’s pocket.

8.    Much has been said about the religious indifference and intolerance in Malaysia. What is your take on this as a Christian?

We should have an open mind and listen to the views of people of different religions, as different religious traditions encourage their believers to respect people of other faiths.  We should be more understanding and tolerant.

9.    In view of all the current events happening in our country, what are your comments on the state of our nation today?

We should be more mature in our thinking and not just follow others without understanding the situation in detail. We wish for more transparency in our government.