The Malaysian Bar is deeply troubled by the news that a police report has been lodged by the Chief Justice’s Office against at least one lawyer for allegedly bringing the Judiciary into disrepute, suggesting that decisions made by the Judiciary could be influenced.1
Such purported conduct as reported is disgraceful and unbecoming of a member of the legal community. The Malaysian Bar does not tolerate such unscrupulous and unethical behaviour, which will inevitably tarnish the good name of the profession.
We take matters pertaining to the integrity of our Members with utmost seriousness. We do not condone such actions; and if it is indeed proven to be true, it is considered a misconduct. Such practice, as reported in the news report, does not only sully the good name of the entire legal profession, but fundamentally erodes the confidence placed in us by the public as upholders of the law and justice.
The public should rest assured that there are mechanisms where complaints can be made against lawyers, ie via the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board (“ASDB”), which is tasked with investigating complaints against lawyers in relation to professional misconduct.
The Malaysian Bar leaves it to the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. We are ready to assist the police, if necessary, to defend the dignity and integrity of the legal profession. We are committed to ensuring that our justice system is impervious to all undue influence and answerable only to the rule of law.
A G KALIDAS
President
Malaysian Bar
19 June 2021
1 “Cops probe lawyer over texts that ‘sully’ judiciary’s image”, Free Malaysia Today, 18 June 2021.