Steven Thiru is new Bar chief

New Bar Council president Steven Thiru speaks during the press conference after the council election at Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, today. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, March 14, 2015.

Malaysian Bar vice-president Steven Thiru was elected the new president after its annual general meeting (AGM) today.

He takes over from Christopher Leong, who has served the maximum two terms as president.

Former secretary George Varghese defeated three other candidates to secure the vice-president post, with a small majority.

The three other contestants were the incumbent secretary Richard Wee Thiam Seng, council member Andrew Khoo and former council member Brandon Navin Siva.

Karen Cheah, the former treasurer, was elected the secretary and former Penang Bar chair Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor was elected the treasurer.

The principal office bearers were elected among 38 council members.

At his maiden press conference as president after a council meeting, Steven said today's meeting had a record turnout of 1,906 members.

Commenting on the criticisms the Bar has faced in recent times, including allegations that it was pro-opposition, he said the Malaysian Bar has always stood up to defend the Federal Constitution.

"We are issue-based, and not race, religion and not political as accused by our detractors," he added.

"The Malaysian bar has always recognised Islam as the official religion of the country and other religions are allowed to be practised freely.

He said the Malaysian Bar will always be independent and any decision otherwise will be challenged.

"The Bar is not pro-opposition or pro-government. It is pro-justice and pro-rule of law. We will not be allowed the Bar to be polarised," he said.

The council also approved that lawyers shall now contribute RM250 per annum to their building fund.

The approval pursuant to the Legal Profession Act was obtained with a two-thirds majority support, Steven said.

Meanwhile, Leong, in his parting remarks, said that the Bar was in safe and good hands of Steven and his team.

- TMI