THE Malaysian Bar’s annual general assembly will proceed as scheduled tomorrow morning but the group has cancelled its annual dinner and dance, which was to take place in the evening due to concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Malaysian Bar AGM will be held as scheduled at Wisma MCA tomorrow morning, Malaysian Bar president Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor told The Malaysian Insight today.

He said that the meeting’s proceedings will take place in accordance with the law, when asked if he was confident of getting the 500-member quorum.

Meanwhile, in an earlier circular to its members, the Bar said it was postponing its annual dinner and dance initially set for tomorrow evening at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

“This postponement is done in light of growing concerns of the Covid-19 situation,” said Malaysian Bar secretary Salim Bashir.

About 1,000 members and pupils in chambers were supposed to gather at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur for the dinner and dance following the Malaysian Bar’s AGM tomorrow.

The Malaysian Bar is required by the Legal Profession Act 1976 to hold an AGM by April annually. The lawyers’ group has set 12 motions to be put to the AGM.

A circular earlier this week informed members that Wisma MCA security personnel will carry out infrared body temperature screening, and those with a temperature of more than 38°C will be barred from entering the building.

The circular said hand sanitisers would also be available to all members at the AGM.

It also called for any member or pupil who has been in physical contact with a person infected with Covid-19 not to attend the AGM. Those with a cold, respiratory tract infection, or similar or related symptoms are to obtain medical clearance before attending, the circular said.

The same cautionary advice was issued to those who have travelled to affected countries, including China, Japan, Italy, and Iran, this month. – March 13, 2020.