Apex court: Shafee didn't violate publicity rules

The Federal Court in a rare decision today upheld the Court of Appeal's decision to hold that senior lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah did not violate the Legal Professions Act publicity rules.

This goes against the Advocates and Solicitors Board's decision to impose a RM5,000 fine on Shafee for violating publicity rules following the publication of two articles in The Star in 2009.

Court of Appeal president Justice Md Raus Sharif said they unanimously agree with the Court of Appeal's decision.

"In the context that were made there were no violations of the publicity rules. The appeal (by the Bar Council) is dismissed," he said.

Shafee initially asked for costs of RM300,000 from the Bar as "the Bar has to be taught a lesson in light of selective prosecution" against him, citing two other cases that he is facing.

However, Justice Raus only allowed costs of RM50000.

The other judges are Federal Court judges Justice Suriyadi Halim Omar, Hasan Lah, Azahar Mohamed and Court of Appeal judge Aziah Ali.

Shafee appeared for himself.

Lawyer Arthur Wang, who appeared for the Bar Council, said the decision of the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board should be respected.

[More to follow]

-Mkini