By Rahmah Ghazali - Free Malaysia TodayKUALA LUMPUR: Bar Council chairman Ragunath Kesavan believes that it was right to invite Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to the 15th Malaysian Law Conference closing ceremony despite this resulting in the loss of sponsors.
In his address, the lawyer recounted how difficult it was to make the decision. There were “heated arguments and discussion” on this.
“It was one of the most difficult decisions we had to make... It was a tough decision but we had to make the right decision, whether it was going to be (singer) Ning Baizura or (comedian) Jit Murat for tonight’s gala dinner,” he said in jest, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Apart from Anwar, the council also invited Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail. Both did not turn up.
Najib could not attend as he is currently overseas but Gani did not provide a reason for his absence, fuelling speculation that the two could have boycotted the event because of Anwar.
Meanwhile, Ragunath said the decision to invite Anwar was unanimous. “There is great pleasure in doing the right thing, and we did it,” he added.
'A mark of conviction'
In his speech, titled “Taking Justice Seriously”, Anwar commended the Bar Council for inviting him despite the repercussions.
“Perhaps that was an understatement,” he laughed. “Really, I should say that words cannot convey my profound appreciation for the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ that your organisation had to suffer by inviting me.
“I see it as a mark of conviction and fortitude that you have stood your ground in the face of adversity.
“Therefore, I mean it in the truest sense, when I say that I am greatly honoured to be here to give my humble address to such a distinguished audience,” he added.
The conference had concluded 37 sessions addressing various laws in the country.
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