The Malaysian Bar’s Election: A Call for Professionalism and Fairness

Bar Council Election: A New Chapter for the Malaysian Bar

The Malaysian Bar is set to elect 16 members to the Bar Council, a move that will shape the future of the legal profession in the country. The newly elected members will join the immediate past president and vice-president of the Malaysian Bar, as well as the chairmen of 12 state bar committees in Peninsular Malaysia.

Campaigning for Fairness and Professionalism

However, the election has taken an unexpected turn with the circulation of a campaign material on WhatsApp promoting the candidacy of 15 Malay members and a Chinese lawyer from Kelantan. Al-Sabri Ahmad Kabri, one of the 16 lawyers named on the list, has slammed the campaign material, denying any involvement in its creation and distribution.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and professionalism,” Al-Sabri said in a statement. “We urge voters to make their decisions based solely on the qualifications, integrity, and capabilities of the candidates, rather than being swayed by baseless claims or racial rhetoric.”

Concerns Over Racism and Religious Bias

The campaign material has sparked concerns among lawyers that elements of race and religion are creeping into the election, compromising professionalism in the Bar Council. The Malaysian Bar has long opposed discrimination of any sort, and such behavior is seen as a threat to the organization’s values.

Former council chief Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari has urged members to cease sending such messages, emphasizing that the Malaysian Bar has no colour, race, creed, or religion.

The Importance of a Professional Bar Council

The Bar Council plays a crucial role in the legal profession, serving as a guardian of the profession’s integrity and upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. The election of members who are committed to fairness and professionalism is essential to ensuring the continued integrity of the Bar Council.

A Call to Action

Lawyers are urged to exercise their right to vote in the election and to make informed decisions based on the qualifications, integrity, and capabilities of the candidates. The Malaysian Bar’s election is a crucial moment in the organization’s history, and it is essential that members prioritize professionalism and fairness in their decision-making.

Conclusion

The Malaysian Bar’s election is a critical moment in the organization’s history, and it is essential that members prioritize professionalism and fairness in their decision-making. The circulation of campaign material promoting racial and religious bias is a threat to the organization’s values and must be addressed. Lawyers must exercise their right to vote and make informed decisions based on the qualifications, integrity, and capabilities of the candidates.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the Bar Council election?

A: The Bar Council election is a critical moment in the Malaysian Bar’s history, as it will shape the future of the legal profession in the country.

Q: What are the concerns surrounding the election?

A: The main concerns are the circulation of campaign material promoting racial and religious bias, which compromises professionalism in the Bar Council and threatens the organization’s values.

Q: What is the significance of the Bar Council?

A: The Bar Council plays a crucial role in the legal profession, serving as a guardian of the profession’s integrity and upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Q: What is the deadline for submitting marked ballots?

A: The deadline for submitting marked ballots is November 30, with the results to be tallied the following day.