THE Malaysian Bar is deeply troubled by the news that a police report has been lodged by the Chief Justice’s Office against at least one lawyer for bringing the Judiciary into disrepute, said Bar president A.G. Kalidas.

According to Kalidas, the report suggested that decisions made by the judiciary could be influenced.

“Such purported conduct, as reported, is disgraceful and unbecoming of a member of the legal community.

“The Malaysian Bar does not tolerate such unscrupulous and unethical behaviour, which will inevitably tarnish the good name of the profession,” Kalidas said in a statement today.  

He said the Malaysian Bar took matters of integrity with the utmost seriousness.

“We do not condone such actions; and if it is indeed proven to be true, it is considered a misconduct.

“Such practice, as in the news report, does not only sully the good name of the entire legal profession, but fundamentally erodes the confidence placed in us by the public as upholders of the law and justice,” he said.

On Tuesday, police said it was investigating a senior lawyer, who is accused of making remarks bringing the judiciary into disrepute.

Sepang police chief Wan Kamarul Wan Yusoff said a police report was lodged against the lawyer by a special officer to Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat on June 7.

“We have started investigations and so far we have four witness statements,” Wan Kamarul told Free Malaysia Today.

He said the investigation was being conducted according to Section 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation and Section 504 of the same law for intentional insult to provoke breach of peace.

Both offences carry prison terms of up to two years, a fine or both upon conviction.

Police are also investigating the incident according to Section 233 (1) (a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act for alleged improper use of network facilities, which carries a RM50, 000 fine or a maximum one-year prison term or both.

According to report, the lawyer in question allegedly sent several text messages to a foreign client, making reference to the chief justice.

Kalidas said the public should be rest assured that complaints can be made against lawyers through the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board, adding that the Bar would leave it to the police to conduct a thorough investigation.

“We are ready to assist the police, if necessary, to defend the dignity and integrity of the legal profession. We are committed to ensuring that our justice system is impervious to all undue influence and answerable only to the rule of law,” he said in the statement. – June 19, 2021.