The Malaysian Bar has renewed its call for an end to “touting”, defined as activities conducted by unscrupulous persons who receive commissions from law firms in return for securing clients.
Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said the call was made to fight for integrity within the legal profession - a crucial battlefront where ethical standards intersect with the pursuit of justice.
“Due to its corrosive influence on fair legal representation and public trust, eradicating touting demands a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved,” he said in a statement today.
According to Ezri, a recent successful effort to eradicate touts was reported on April 18 through the MACC arrests of two bank officers for allegedly soliciting bribes amounting to RM316,064 from various law firms.
He said their modus operandi involved demanding kickbacks in exchange for referring property buyers to these law firms.
“While it is crucial that due process, in accordance with the rule of law, be afforded to these individuals, the Malaysian Bar reiterates that the eradication of touting in the legal industry is not merely a matter of ethical integrity.
“It is an imperative for upholding the very foundation of justice and fairness within society,” he added.
“By eliminating touting, we pave the way for a legal landscape built on principles of equality, transparency, and accountability,” he stressed.
Ezri further warned that on top of the criminal offences provided for under the law, members of the Malaysian Bar found to have engaged in such activities are subject to Section 94(3)(h) of the Legal Profession Act 1976 and Rule 51 of the Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules 1978, which expressly define touting as professional misconduct and may result in possible disciplinary action.
He said anyone who is aware of or has reason to believe touting activities are being carried out should immediately report such incidents to the Bar.
He added that ongoing Bar initiatives to eradicate touting have been met positively by its members and external stakeholders. - Mkini
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