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.
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Teng Siew Yik
Sia Teng Teng
Alvina Mun Sook Kwan
Melisa Tai Mein–Sze
Vincent Tan Boon Siang
Muhammad Syamsulfaiz Zainuddin
Ummi Kalthum Bt Zakaria
Mohd Taufik
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Parasa Ramulu
Kho Yieng San
Ng Li Lin
Karthigesan
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Juna Binti
Jusoh
Syamsuriatina
Ishak
Albert Ding
Choo Earn
Sulaiman Bin
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Nasdrul Umur
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Elaine Daly
Devkumar
Kumaraendran
Sandesh Kabir
Singh
Edelina Sophia
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Mohd Busyairy
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Angeline Cheah
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Thiruchelvam
Shahrizal Bin
Mohd Zin
Rezalman B.
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Gavin Tang Cheng
Loong
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Nadia Ashikin
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David Dinesh
Mathew
Nizam Bashir
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Amer Hamzah
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Ernie
Suffiani Binti Salim
Ahmad Syukri
Bin Yusoff
Dipendra
Harshad Rai
Soo Wee Loon
Tracy Hah
Aminuddin bin
Abdullah