Bar welcomes decision to replace CLP with Common Bar Course

Malaysian Bar president George Varughese says the Common Bar Course, if introduced, must be focused on the development of critical skills. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar has welcomed the government’s decision to consider the possibility of replacing the Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP) examination with a Common Bar Course (CBC).

In a statement to FMT, its president George Varughese said the Bar has advocated for the past two decades the implementation of the CBC as a single entry point for all law graduates into the legal profession.

“It is our view that the CLP, in its current form, does not adequately provide the necessary knowledge and practice skills for law graduates who seek to join the legal profession,” Varughese said.

Yesterday, FMT had quoted de facto law minister Liew Vui Keong as saying that he recently received a proposal to replace the CLP after concerns were raised by foreign and local law students about the course.

“They want to have a common bar course where they probably don’t have to sit for an exam but have to go through various courses set up by the Bar Council and also training courses by relevant bodies.

“It is like an entry point for all who seek to become a lawyer. Once they satisfy the entry requirements, they can practise in a court of law,” Liew had told the press.

Varughese explained that all relevant stakeholders on the matter had agreed during meetings held previously that the CBC would be the best way to provide those entering the legal profession with proper skills.

He said it was the position of the Bar to not primarily focus on examinations if the CBC sees the light of day.

Instead, the CBC, if introduced, must be outcome-driven and focused on the development of critical skills.

These would include skills related to advocacy, legal procedures in civil and criminal matters, arbitration and mediation, negotiation and managing the day-to-day operations of a law firm, Varughese said.

“The Bar believes the CBC is crucial in ensuring every pupil will be on a level playing field in terms of meeting the requirements and expectations of potential employers and the legal profession.

“We look forward to the implementation of the CBC soon, and will play our role in facilitating a smooth transition as well as effective conduct of the CBC.”

Over the years, lawyers have been pushing for the government to introduce a CBC for all local and foreign graduates who intend to practise law.

Alternatively, they said, if the government was not ready for the course, it should not limit law students taking the CLP exam to only four attempts, as is the current practice. -FMT