Bar elects Anand Raj president for 2026-2027 term

 Anand Raj succeeds Ezri Abdul Wahab, who was elected for the 2024/2025 term.

Incoming Bar Council president Anand Raj said the appointments for the new term reflect continuity in leadership.

PETALING JAYA:

 The Bar Council elected Anand Raj as its president for the 2026/2027 term at the 80th annual general meeting held today, succeeding former president Ezri Abdul Wahab.

Anand previously served as the Bar’s vice-president during the 2024/2025 term. His former role is now held by Murshidah Mustafa, who earlier served as secretary.

R Jayabalan was elected secretary, and Peter-Douglas Ling treasurer.

The Star reported that the AGM was attended by 433 members. It did not meet the quorum of 500 members at 11.15am and was reconvened at 12.15pm.

At a press conference after the AGM, Anand said the appointments reflect continuity in leadership, with three of the office-bearers promoted from positions they held in the previous term.

He also said the Bar is determined to solidify its role as an independent voice in the justice system with this new leadership lineup.

“This demonstrates continuity in leadership, and we remain committed to upholding the values of the Bar and speaking without fear or favour,” he was quoted as saying.

AG, PP separation motion passed

Nine of the 11 motions tabled at the AGM were passed, including one on prosecutorial independence, which calls for the separation of the offices of the attorney-general (AG) and the public prosecutor (PP).

Anand said the motion was unanimously approved, reiterating the Bar’s long-standing position that both offices must remain separate and independent to maintain public confidence in the justice system.

He also said this separation has been adopted in several jurisdictions, “and it has consistently worked better that way”.

On the AG-PP separation bill referred to a special parliamentary committee, Anand said that while the Bar supports the bill’s principle, its operational provisions and amendments do not meaningfully promote accountability and transparency, which are the main reasons for the separation.

“Regrettably, the proposals in the bill allow executive interference in the role of the AG and in the selection of the PP, which undermines accountability and transparency,” he said.

He said the Bar intends to take all necessary steps, including calling for amendments to the bill, to uphold the rule of law. - FMT