THE Malaysian Bar, accused by a Malay Dignity Congress speaker of interfering in matters related to Islam, today said it will not be used to further partisan or political agendas.

Bar president Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor, in a statement, said it is legal practitioners’ duty to uphold justice without regard for personal interests, and that the professional body is mandated to be “uninfluenced” by fear or favour.

“The Bar is disturbed to hear of news reports detailing a call for the Bar Council and other organisations not to interfere in matters pertaining to Islam in the name of human rights by Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari at the Malay Dignity Congress.

“Such an assertion is mischievous and unfounded.”

He said the Bar is required by the Legal Profession Act to “express its view on matters affecting legislation, and the administration and practice of the law in Malaysia, and to protect and assist the public in all matters ancillary or incidental to the law”.

“In times of national need, the Bar has stood up to protect the rights of all Malaysians, and will continue to speak up on matters pertaining to the law and public interest, uninfluenced, and without fear or favour.

“Therefore, the Bar should not be used as a bogeyman by those who seek popularity or to advance their cause.”

Fadhli was among those who gave racially charged speeches at Sunday’s congress, which saw speakers reminding non-Malays not to challenge the pre-independence “social contract” granting migrants citizenship in Malaya.

They also spoke about how Malays’ position is under threat, and warned people against questioning the community’s special privileges and the position of the Malay rulers.

One speaker called for National Higher Education Fund Corporation loans to be reserved for Malays.

The congress passed resolutions that included calls to appoint only Malays to top government and civil service positions, and ensure that the minister in charge of religions is a Sunni Muslim. – October 8, 2019.