Controversial motion on lawyer training programme passed

Fines imposed for failure to attend training programme had caused unhappiness in the legal fraternity

KUALA LUMPUR: A controversial motion to have lawyers attend a compulsory training programme to acquire Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points was passed by the Malaysian Bar today.

In the run up to the Malaysian Bar’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), lawyers had voiced unhappiness over the proposed motion which would see those who failed to attend the programme fined RM500.

Critics of this motion, had said it was unfair to junior lawyers who had been pracitising for less than five years.

At a press conference after the AGM, Malaysain Bar President Steven Thiru said the motion was aimed at empowering the learning of lawyers.

“We want good lawyers and well equipped lawyers in terms of knowledge.”

Thiru declined to reveal the vote count for the motion when asked to clarify claims that it was passed by only one vote.

He also said there were no provisions for a recount, but stressed the Bar would take into account the concerns its members had.

Other motions passed today included a motion on the National Security Council (NSC) Bill which called for the setting up of a purely advisory NSC and the removal of provisions dealing with operations of security forces.

It was previously reported that the Conference of Rulers had asked for some provisions of the NSC bill to be refined.

Another motion passed was on internet censorship, which called on the government to stop censorship of the internet, unblocking of blocked websites, repeal of Section 263 and 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and other vague provisions which allow for a blocking of websites.