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YL Personality – Ang Kai Whei

YL Personality – Ang Kai Whei

Contributed by Andrew Yeap Kuang Wei

Thursday, 30 October 2008 05:15am

Ang Kai Whei practises in Kota Bharu. He graduated from University Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2006 and was called to the Bar in May 2007. Andrew Yeap spoke with him recently.

Currently there are many young graduates who prefer to stay back in big city citing lifestyle and salary as main concerns. Why do you prefer practising in a town like Kota Bharu?

I prefer a smaller town because of it’s slower pace. On the other hand, when I start my 1st year in law school, I always have the intention to help the people I know who need legal advice. And furthermore, I believe this town has great potential for development and space for improvement.

As a lawyer, what do you intend to achieve within next 5 years?

Besides income, I hope to start my own firm where I can be independent in conducting cases. Now I am a legal assistant dealing with civil litigation only. As time goes by, I hope to venture into other areas of law. I work towards being a good litigation lawyer

In your opinion, what does it mean to be a good lawyer?

Firstly, a lawyer must have good knowledge in law. After that, good advocacy and handling cases in a professional manner, honesty, and respect for others are some of the important criteria that create a good lawyer.

You are just in legal practice for about 2 years. What do you do when you face a time of uncertainty or when you are at a loss?

I always consult my boss for advice and counsel. Fellow lawyers also contribute to help me understand the reality in legal practice. For example, when I receive instructions from client which I am not comfortable with doing it, I will be in dilemma and don’t know what to do. I am lucky because I am surrounded by fellow lawyers who are willing to listen and guide me. Another example is when I am well prepared for a case and confident of winning, but the opposite happened. I feel depressed and blame myself. Sometimes it takes few days before I can get over it.

Is there any area where the Bar Council has helped you during your practice?

There are many areas which I have benefited. However I will mention 2 of them which I am very grateful. Firstly is the Lawcare programme. I was admitted to hospital and medical costs were escalating everyday. I am grateful that the Bar Council through Lawcare has helped me financially. Secondly, the Bar website has fed me with news and information daily. I will make sure I log on to the Bar Council website before I start work everyday. I really thank those who work hard in maintaining the website.

What do you like about the legal profession?

I appreciate the freedom of time. I can arrange my working hours depending on my workload. I can help people by taking in cases with minimal charges. I take those cases seriously because these people are genuine. Being able to help people makes me happy.

Are you currently serving in any of the committees of the Bar Council?

No. I would like to join if I have the opportunity. Maybe I will start with NYLC if I am given a chance.

Is there any area in legal practice you hope to see improvement?

I feel that relationship among lawyers in every state is still lacking. I think the respective state chairpersons must take the initiative to have activities inter state or neighboring states rather than waiting for the Bar Council to initiate activities. This is for the benefit of members as we will be able to learn from fellow lawyers from other states. I hope the Bar Council's activities such as seminars and forums can be conducted in the east coast states as well.