Bala's passing won't affect debates on probing lawyer

The sudden demise of P Balasubramaniam will not affect the debating of a motion at the Bar Council's annual general meeting (AGM) tomorrow over the mystery surrounding his second statutory declaration (SD).

The motion for the Bar at the AGM is to establish an Independent Investigation Committee to urgently inquire into the facts and circumstances relating to the preparation and execution of the second SD.

The motion was proposed by Wan Hidayati Nadirah Wan Ahmad Nasir and seconded by 13 other lawyers last Friday.

Bar Council chairperson Lim Chee Wee (left) confirmed withMalaysiakini this evening that the motion will be heard as it had been accepted as an agenda in the meeting.

"Yes, the motion will be debated," he said after chairing a late meeting at the Bar Council.

The 66th AGM that will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Renaissance Hotel, will see six motions to be tabled, including the one specifically about the setting up of the committee.

The other motions include one on the death penalty, and the other on an e-filing system.

Meanwhile, The Star today quoted Lim that the council is near the end of its inquiries into allegations of misconduct against the senior lawyer, and added that a decision will be made next month.

"If we find prima facie evidence of misconduct, we will lodge a complaint with the disciplinary board," he said.

Lim, who is also the Malaysian Bar president, admitted that there was "unfinished business", but had denied allegations that the body had dragged its feet on the matter.

He added that he had spoken to Balasubramaniam and carpet businessperson Deepak Jaikishan's (above) lawyer.

Balasubramaniam passed away suddenly this afternoon in Rawang, after he had been warded earlier this month following a heart ailment.