- YAA Datuk Seri Utama Wan Ahmad Farid bin Wan Salleh, Ketua Hakim Negara Pejabat Ketua Pendaftar;
- Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai;
- Past MBLAA Recipients;
- Members of the Judiciary;
- Members of the Malaysian Bar
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening.
It gives me immense joy to be here tonight, as we celebrate a remarkable man and a towering figure in our legal fraternity — Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai, the recipient of this year’s Malaysian Bar Lifetime Achievement Award.
I have long admired Dato’ Mah from a distance, as many of us have, given his many achievements across practice, the judiciary, arbitration, human rights, and law reform. But it was only when I assumed the role of President of the Malaysian Bar that I had the privilege of knowing him better. And I must say, what stood out most to me was not his titles, nor his impressive résumé, but his humility.
Dato’ Mah carries himself with a quiet dignity. He does not pull rank, nor remind you of his standing. Instead, he meets you with openness and warmth, with a sense that he is here not to be served, but to serve. And that is what makes him truly inspiring.
Despite his extraordinary career — from serving as a Magistrate, Sessions Court President, Judge of the High Court, Judge of the Court of Appeal, President of the Bar, Commissioner of SUHAKAM, and so much more — Dato’ Mah has never seen his journey as complete. He has always believed that there is more to be done, more ways to contribute, more ways to serve the law and society. That spirit of “never enough” — not in the sense of ambition, but in the sense of service — is what leaves the deepest impression on me.
At a time when many might have slowed down, Dato’ Mah continues to give of himself — as a legal consultant, as an arbitrator and mediator, as a mentor to the next generation, and as a voice for justice and human rights. For him, service is not a chapter of life; it is life itself.
This is why his example is so important for us as members of the Bar. Dato’ Mah’s legacy tells us that true success is not measured by titles held or positions attained, but by the impact we leave behind on others and on society. His humility, his perseverance, and his unwavering dedication remind us that to serve is not a burden, but a privilege.
Tonight, as we celebrate Dato’ Mah, we also take pride in the Malaysian Bar for continuing this tradition of recognising those whose lives inspire us. I wish to record my sincere thanks to Dato’ Sri M Ramachelvam, the Chairperson of the Lifetime Achievement Award Selection Committee, for his thoughtful stewardship in ensuring that this Award continues to honour individuals who embody the finest values of our profession.
I must also express my appreciation to Ms. Vilashini Vijayan and the Secretariat team, whose hard work has made tonight’s celebration possible. Their efforts ensure that we can gather in this meaningful way to honour our colleague, our mentor, and our friend.
On behalf of the Malaysian Bar, I extend my warmest congratulations to Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai. This Award is but a small token compared to the immeasurable impact you have made on our profession, the judiciary, and our society. Your example lights the way for all of us, and may we each carry forward your spirit of humility and service in our own journeys.
Thank you.
Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab
President
Malaysian Bar