The Malaysian Bar’s International Malaysia Law Conference (“IMLC”) 2026 took place from 27 to 30 Oct 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.
By Chan Kai Min, Candice, Chan & Associates
This session was held on the final day of the conference and featured a discussion on the role of Bar Associations and the future of core principles in the legal profession. It explored how Bar Associations should uphold their traditional responsibilities while adapting to changes in society and technological advancements.
Moderated by Salim Bashir, the Past President of the Malaysian Bar; the panel featured three speakers from different jurisdictions: Haji Muhammad Zainidi b Haji Abdul Hamid, Immediate Past President of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam; Hin Han Shum, Council Member and Vice-Chairlady of the International Legal Affairs Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong; and Yap Teong Liang, President of LAWASIA and Director of T L Yap Law Chambers LLC in Singapore.
In his opening remarks, Salim Bashir highlighted several fundamental principles that must be preserved, including access to justice, the rule of law, professional competence, confidentiality, and the integrity of legal practitioners. He emphasised the importance of upholding these principles amidst changing societal expectations and technological developments.
The first speaker, Hin Han Shum, shared the experience of the Hong Kong Law Society, which plays an important role in regulating the legal profession. Its responsibilities include maintaining professional standards, ensuring that practitioners are properly licensed, investigating professional misconduct, and taking disciplinary action where necessary. She also highlighted the society's efforts in promoting access to justice through pro bono initiatives, community legal education, and international engagement. In particular, she emphasised the importance of preparing lawyers for technological changes, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) through guidance and position papers, including one titled “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Legal Profession”.
Haji Muhammad Zainidi then shared his perspective from Brunei Darussalam. He highlighted the importance of Bar Associations in maintaining professional standards, regulating the legal profession, and assisting the Government and the Courts in matters relating to legislation and the administration of justice. He further stressed that disciplinary measures must reinforce professional ethics and integrity. However, he noted that maintaining professional standards should go hand in hand with providing guidance, support, and education to practitioners, particularly young lawyers who face the challenges of an evolving legal profession.
Haji Muhammad Zainidi also introduced a five-step guideline for Bar Associations, titled “From Dialogue to Action: A Responsive Bar Leadership”. The guideline begins with Listen to the concerns of Bar Members; Identify professional pressures and gaps; Engage with the judiciary, Government, regulators, and relevant experts; Act by providing practical guidance and support; and finally, Follow Through by assessing the outcomes and identifying areas for improvement to ensure the continued development of the legal profession.
Yap Teong Liang shared his views from the perspective of LAWASIA. He emphasised the importance of preserving the independence of the legal profession and the judiciary, noting that Bar Associations must be prepared to speak up whenever these fundamental principles are threatened. He also highlighted the need for Bar Associations to support the sustainability of the legal profession, particularly by equipping both senior and junior practitioners with the knowledge and skills to adapt to AI and other technological developments.
The discussion then turned to how Bar Associations can safeguard judicial independence and prevent external interference.
Yap Teong Liang shared an example from Sri Lanka, where the Bar Association had opposed a proposed amendment concerning the retirement age of judges, which was introduced without proper consultation. LAWASIA supported the position taken by the Sri Lanka Bar Association. He emphasised that international legal organisations play an important role in supporting their Members whenever judicial independence and the rule of law are at risk.
Hin Han Shum highlighted that judicial independence is constitutionally protected under article 85 of Hong Kong Basic Law. She explained that the Hong Kong Law Society has consistently spoken out against attempts to undermine judicial independence, including external criticism and attempts to impose sanctions on judges for their judicial decisions.
From Brunei's perspective, Haji Muhammad Zainidi explained that the Law Society maintains regular engagement with the Judiciary and the Attorney General's Chambers through a Joint Legal Affairs Committee. The committee provides a platform for discussions on the administration of justice, legal practice and possible legislative reforms. Although the Law Society is not directly involved in judicial appointments, such engagement allows it to raise concerns and contribute to discussions on matters affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.
At the international level, Yap Teong Liang encouraged greater collaboration among Bar Associations to strengthen the collective voice of the legal profession. He shared that an inaugural conference will be held in Singapore on 1 and 2 Apr 2027, bringing together Bar Associations from different jurisdictions for an in-depth discussion on the challenges surrounding access to justice.
The panel discussion further explored the challenges posed by AI in legal practice, including the risks of inaccurate information, fabricated legal authorities, and AI-generated evidence. The speakers agreed on the importance of educating practitioners on the responsible use of AI while ensuring that technology does not compromise professional obligations and ethical standards. They also highlighted the need to educate the public on the limitations of AI-generated legal information and the importance of seeking proper legal advice.
The session concluded with a shared view that although the legal profession will continue to evolve, its fundamental principles must remain unchanged. Bar Associations therefore have an important responsibility not only to regulate and represent the profession, but also to protect the rule of law, uphold professional independence, and prepare the next generation of lawyers for the future.
*This article reports on Breakout Session 9, Stream B: Legal Profession and Professional Practice.