A MOTION calling for an alcohol ban at all of the Malaysian Bar’s functions was thrown out today for failing to meet form and content requirements.

A total of 836 lawyers participated at the lawyers group’s 72nd closed-door annual general meeting (AGM) in Kuala Lumpur. Fifteen motions were tabled, with two withdrawn and six others carried.

The motion to ban alcohol was one of seven motions put forward by Selangor-based lawyer Mohd Amir Sharil Bahari Md Noor.

Six others called the Bar to condemn the conduct of six fellow lawyers, including a former Malaysian Bar president, incumbent Bar Council members and a state Bar Committee chairman.

The Bar ruled all of Amir’s motions not be tabled at the meeting.   

On the motion to ban alcohol, Bar president George Varughese said it was similar to another defeated motion put forward by Amir last year, which had called for a ban on alcohol for Bar events held in Kuala Lumpur.

“A similar motion was tabled at last year’s AGM. We had discussed it and it was voted out. This year another motion (was put forward by Amir).

“However, it was ruled that this motion cannot be discussed, not because we do not discuss motions on alcohol, but simply because the form and content (of Amir’s motion) was not something that can be discussed by the Malaysian Bar,” Varughese said after the AGM.

Varughese, who was re-elected president at the AGM, added: “I don’t want you to think that the Malaysian Bar has a problem discussing this issue.”

“However, this year’s motion, the form and content of the resolution was not consistent with provision of the legal profession and the objects of the legal profession, which is why the motion was not tabled and discussed.”

Asked how Amir’s motion failed to meet requirements to be debated, Varughese replied: “I’m not at liberty to explain what the form and content is. All deliberations at our AGM are governed by the secrecy (provisions) under the Legal Provision Act.”

“Whatever deliberations, I’m not at liberty to divulge. Otherwise I would be violating (the act),” he added.  

Amir’s motion, sighted by The Malaysian Insight, called on “every Muslim, faithful, and devout lawyers” to back it.

“That each and every Muslim, faithful, and devout lawyers who have the Shahadah in their hearts, and are the people of the Book, if not incapacitated Shariah-wise, and are the people of the Book, know that on judgement day and the apocalypse, will be questioned on their role in ensuring this motion is passed on Saturday, March 17, 2018,” the motion, which was signed by 25 lawyers, read.

“With the Shahadah, it is hereby decided and made mandatory that the Malaysian Bar with all its powers as enshrined in the Legal Profession Act 1976, forbids all elements of the filth that is liquor, and all drinks and food that contain alcohol, or intoxicants, in all events organised by the Malaysian Bar and bodies that fall under its jurisdiction with immediate effect.”

Amir’s motion last year was defeated with 588 lawyers voting against, nine in favour with 16 abstentions. – March 17, 2018.