Article contributed by Ariff Erzanie b Ramli, Executive Officer, Continuing Professional Development Department; and photos by Jul Indra Tofan, Administrative Assistant, Bar Council Secretariat
On 25 Oct 2019, Bar Council Malaysia ("BC") welcomed delegates from Law Development Centre ("LDC"), Uganda. The delegation led by Hon Lady Justice Stella Arach–Amoko J S C, Chairperson of LDC was received with open arms by Roger Chan Weng Keng and Salim Bashir, Vice–President and Secretary of the Malaysian Bar, respectively.
The following are among the visiting delegates from LDC:
(1) Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, LDC Bar Course Advisory Board;
(2) Rachael Odoi Musoke, Senior Technical Advisor, The Justice Law and Order Sector;
(3) Frank Nigel Othembi, Director, LDC;
(4) Michael Wamasebu, Member, Management Committee;
(5) Peters Kizito Musoke, Member, Management Committee;
(6) Christine Birabwa Nsubuga, Member, Management Committee;
(7) Dr Christopher Mbazira, Member, Management Committee;
(8) Kakula–Khirome S, Member, Management Committee;
(9) Florence Nakachwa Dollo, Deputy Director, LDC;
(10) Bakunzi Didas Mufasha, Secretary, LDC;
(11) Precious Ngabirano, Head of Department, Department of Law & CLE, LDC;
(12) Joy Badebye, Head of Department, Finance Department, LDC;
(13) Everst Turyahikayo, Academic Registrar, LDC; and
(14) H S Wambuga, Deputy Head of Department, Bar Course.
After a round of introductions, Roger Chan gave an overview of BC, which included its history through the Legal Profession Act 1976, the role of the BC Secretariat and BC committees, and information regarding the Office Bearers of the Malaysian Bar ("OBs"). Following that, Frank Nigel Othembi provided a brief history, and talked about the functions, of LDC. He posed queries on the process for one to be a lawyer in Malaysia, and the steps taken by BC to maintain the quality of the legal profession, especially with the ever–increasing number of Members of the Malaysian Bar.
The topics raised at the meeting revolved mainly around the legal profession and the structure of the legal education system in Malaysia and Uganda. The discussion was kept lively with both sides exchanging ideas and suggestions on how to further improve the quality of lawyers in the respective countries.
The delegates expressed keen interest as Salim Bashir explained the requirements to enter the legal profession in Malaysia. He also shared some proposed plans and ideas to future–proof Malaysia's legal education and profession.
The delegates shared their thoughts, and many queries were responded to in detail. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing the hope to further the discussion in the future.
The courtesy visit ended with an exchange of gifts. The delegates were then introduced to Hendon Mohamed, who happened to be on the premises. The guests also requested a photograph with the very first female President of the Malaysian Bar, who is still a serving member of the Bar Council.