KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 — Amid grumblings about crumbling public institutions, the new Malaysian Bar Council elected today promised to continue to act as a proactive pressure group in protecting the interests of the public.
“I think the movement for change has come and we all have a role to play in change and reform,” said its newly-minted president Ragunath Kesavan, who is taking over from Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.
Speaking to reporters after its 63rd annual general meeting here this afternoon, Ragunath noted there were many “issues of conflict”, especially those revolving around “sensitive matters” related to religion.
“We need to know how we can deal with these issues of conflict,” he said, promising to hold more dialogues with activists, non-governmental organisations from both the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds such as the Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim) and Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to exchange views and build better understanding of religion for both sides.
Asked whether the Bar Council was acting in the interest of the public in carrying out the “Allah” polls on its website, Ragunath replied that the poll merely reflected public opinion and was not necessarily its own.
“It’s a matter of No. 1, public opinion, and No. 2, it’s not binding on anyone; it’s not even binding on the Bar Council,” he explained.
He pointed out the council has carried out many polls considered sensitive before, such as whether one is happy with the judiciary and the police force.
Ragunath noted that just because a subject is sensitive, “it doesn’t mean we stop any form of discussion on the matter.”
“As long as it is measured, tempered, I do not see why we cannot have any discussion on any sensitive topics.
“Even when the court has decided you can or can’t use it, doesn’t mean you can’t disagree with the decision,” he said, and added: “That’s what democracy is all about.”
Likewise, asked to comment on the abuse of freedom of expression on the Internet over the recent controversy involving six bloggers who were yesterday charged with insulting the Sultan of Perak online, Ragunath reasoned there was hardly a need for worry.
“In a country of 26 million people, how big a problem is it with things like that?” he threw back.
“Isn’t it more important to demonstrate we are a democratic country?” he added.
Ragunath laughed when a reporter pointed out the Bar Council was seen to be “anti-government and pro-opposition because of its strong views on a number of issues.
“What’s projected is only 10 per cent of the work we do,” he said.
He explained that 90 per cent of the work the Bar Council undertakes, which happens behind closed doors, “are complementary with what the government of the day wants”.
Asked to comment on the de facto Law Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz’s statement that the Bar Council is subject to the rule of law like everyone else, Ragunath agreed.
“I agree with Datuk Seri Nazri we cannot be treated differently from anybody else,” he said.
However, he explained fear of prosecution has never stopped the Bar Council from doing its duty and would not stop it in future from speaking out against the authorities should the situation call for it.
“Whatever we do, we do in the interest of the public, of our profession,” he said.
“If action has to be taken, so be it. We’ll face the action when it comes,” he added.
The other office bearers for the new term 2009/2010 are vice-president Lim Chee Wee, secretary George Varughese and treasurer Tony Woon.
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