Experiences in the Bar Council
A massive thank you to Karen and team!
During the summer of 2022, I undertook an internship with the Bar Council, where I learned much about the importance of independent institutions in protecting public rights, as well as how such institutions can act as an intermediary between the state and the public.
Below, I document some key highlights I experienced during this programme
Joint Conference: Political Financing Act
Malaysia does not have laws on political financing, which has led to ambiguity about permissible funding sources. This has created opportunities for abuses of power, with politicians often soliciting funds from actors with intentions of bribery and corruption. We had panelists consisting of academic experts and MPs to discuss the feasibility and scope of implementing a Political Financing Act.
Many panellists also were members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Political financing. The bill was submitted on the 13th of July, and is expected to be tabled later this year.
During this time, I reviewed the draft bills and produced 1) The summary of the IDEAS-Bar council conference and 2) the Position Paper for the Bar Council on the issue of Political Financing.
Police Investigation - Walk for Judicial Independence
During the trial of disgraced former Prime Minister Najib Razak, the High Court of Kuala Lumpur judge Nazlan Mohd Ghazali convicted him of all charges. He was sentenced to 12 years jail sentence and a MYR210 million fine, after which Najib files for an appeal.
In April the following year, just as Najib's hearing at the Appellate court began, the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commision (MCMC) announced that Judge Nazlan was under investigation. Many saw this move as an undermining of the judicial process, serving to intimidate lawyers and jeopardising judicial independence. Consequently, the Bar Council called for and Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), and voted to stage a peaceful protest against the actions of the MACC.
The Malaysian Bar later filed a Judicial Review application against the Chief of Police among others, challenging the validity of notices issued under section 111 of the CPC. Upon service of the Judicial Review application, the Officer in Charge of the Dang Wangi Police District immediately stood down, and issued letters stating that the decision was given "No Further Action". As a result, the Judicial Review application was discontinued by the Malaysian Bar.
On the 17th of June, nearly 500 lawyers gathered near parliament to deliver a memorandum to the Prime minister. The group were subsequently unlawfully blocked from leaving the car park by the police. Later that day, the Officer in Charge of the Police District (OCPD) stated that the assembly would come under investigation and that statements were to be taken of those who participated in it.
I accompanied members of the Bar to the Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters after being summoned to provide statements for PDRM's investigation. All four members present declined to give any statements that day.
