THE Malaysian Bar wants the government to clarify if legal firms may operate during the lockdown which starts tomorrow.

In a circular to members, it said it was seeking clarification on directives for law firms after the National Security Council’s order for industries to liaise with their respective ministries for guidance.

“Law firms are not listed as essential services and as such not be able to operate during the lockdown,” it said in the article. 

The Bar said this raises concerns regarding procedural deadlines and directions for how court cases are to proceed during the lockdown.

Putrajaya has announced a strict lockdown amid a growing tide of Covid infections. For a fortnight from June 1-14, social and economic activities are barred.

The Bar said it has written to the chief justice regarding the matter of whether law firms may open during the two weeks of shutdown.

It said de facto law minister Takiyuddin Hassan is expected to issue a statement later today. – May 31, 2021.