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YOHENDRA NADARAJAN graduated from University of Northumbria (UK) in 2004 and thereafter was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 2009. He recently set up his own practice in Kuala Lumpur and handles a combination of General Litigation & Criminal Defence matters. Valerie Choo spoke to him on the current highlights in the country. 

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

I have an unbridled passion for human rights and public interest litigation, and having my own firm would give me the flexibility and time to indulge myself in this passion while at the same time maintain my focus on legal work. My partner and I sought invaluable advice from several senior practitioners before making a final decision to set up on our own.

2.    Any special tips or advice to younger practitioners who wish to set up their own legal firm?

Do consult with senior practitioners before embarking on it as it is a big leap of faith! It’s not about the glamour or prestige, but it’s more of what you want to achieve from your practice. Of course you also need to be advised on the risks involved in setting up your own firm.

3.    I understand you are a member of the Bar Council Human Rights Committee (BCHRC). How long have you been involved with the Committee? Has being part of the Committee changed your character and perspective of the legal profession? How and why?

I have been involved with the BCHRC since last year. I previously worked for Amnesty International Malaysia prior to practicing. I guess it had made me view things from a legalistic way rather from an activist point of view. I see the Bar Council as a strong body to champion issues of injustice and national concerns. I also feel that as lawyers, we should also give back to society. I’m sure there are many committees in the Bar Council where young and also senior practitioners can contribute in.

4.    There has been much debate about the working conditions of young lawyers. What are your thoughts on this issue? As an employer and a partner in your firm, how do you think the working conditions of young lawyers could be improved?

Simple. Young lawyers ought to be satisfactorily remunerated for their work done for their respective firms.

5.    As a young lawyer, what do you think we can do to improve the satisfaction levels of young lawyers, avoid a decline in professionalism and improve the public opinion of lawyers?

By providing more professional courses so that young lawyers can better equip themselves and to provide better service to their clients. The Professional Standards Committee has been constantly trying to bring distinguished speakers both locally and internationally for the betterment of our members. I personally agree with the Mentor Program initiated by the BC recently as younger lawyers will have somebody to consult with. Hopefully more senior members would sign up as mentors. 

6.    Has your perspective in life changed since becoming a lawyer?

No. I still think of ways of how we can become a better society.

7.    There are many issues affecting the Bar today. What are some of the relevant issues important to you? How would you like to see these issues dealt with?

I think it’s about time the Bar takes a firm stand against government agencies e.g. the police who intimidate and arrest lawyers in the course of their duty or does not respect the rule of law, etc. I hope that the Bar will have a meeting with the Home Ministry and bring to their attention as to the current blatant abuse of power by the various government agencies under their purview.

8.    What are your views on the current state of our nation today?

I still believe that the current government is taking human rights in this country very lightly. Flagrant abuse and misuse of powers are aplenty every day unnoticed by the rakyat due to lack of publicity. I hope that the government will see it fit to amend the relevant laws to extend the Human Rights Commission’s (SUHAKAM) power to carry out their recommendations without any fear or favour, and instill it with more clout. I also wish to see irresponsible and uncouth members of the police force being held accountable for their unwarranted acts of misuse of power. Finally, like all legal practitioners, I wish for the day when we have a more respected and free judiciary.