Nazri: Bar Council can voice opinions without interfering

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar Council has the power to give opinion on national political matters that involve legal issues without direct involvement, said Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

Nazri was answering a question from Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (Jerlun-BN) on whether the government proposes to amend the Legal Profession Act 1976 to narrow the purpose and powers of the Bar Council that has been actively involved in the political sphere while neglecting the welfare of its own members.

In asking the supplementary question, Mukhriz said he is disputing the manner in which the Bar Council has been voicing their views, where its opinion on the current political scenario and the status of Islam in Malaysia has caused anger and doubt among the people

"If the government of a neighbouring country in the south can take action to curb the powers of its Bar Council from interfering with government matters, why can’t similar actions be taken here?" asked Mukhriz.

Nazri said the Bar Council is regarded as an entity and actions can be taken against them if any laws are breached.