Bar Council to Muslim lawyers: Don't threaten us

(Malaysiakini) The Malaysian Bar says it does not back any party or religious belief, and the stand it takes is prescribed by the rule of law and the federal constitution.

Its president Christopher Leong said in a statement today said it would not bow down to threats.

He expressed disappointment over the Muslim Lawyer's Association (MLA) strong statement, asking the Bar not to back the Catholic newspaper The Herald's appeal against the Court of Appeal ruling that it cannot use the word ‘Allah', or it "would not hesitate to take further action".

"It is strange for an association of lawyers to fear arguments taken in a court of law and to impel them to issue threats. It leaves one to wonder what it is that they are afraid of," asked Leong.

On Saturday MLA, led by president Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar (left), had asked the Malaysian Bar and its executive council, not to back The Herald's appeal.

This they claimed would be deemed taking a partisan stand, and disregarding thousands of Muslim lawyers who are also members of the Bar.

However the Bar president emphasised access to justice is for all who sought it and that anyone has the right to bring their grievances to courts and pursue appeals.

"The Malaysian Bar and the Bar Council are secular bodies. We are not grounded in or partial to any religious belief. The Bar does not stand for or is against any party. The positions that we take are, and will always be, prescribed by the rule of law and premised on the federal constitution.

"We act for justice and truth and will not be swayed by partisan politics or religious belief. The Bar will not be deterred in upholding the cause of justice by any threat or intimidation. We are bound to act without fear or favour, and without regard for our own interests.
Fear mongering
Unfortunately, Leong said it appears that segments of society deemed it appropriate to resort to issuing threats or fear mongering as a means of getting their way.

Sometimes he said these threats are coupled with claims of ignorance that hurt feelings and sensitivities.

"It is long past the time for Malaysians to shed such practices. The authorities for their part should cease pandering to, or legitimising such practices, as it only serves to encourage those who resort to threats or violence as a means of getting their way or silencing others.

"Such behavior also seeks to stifle discourse, growth and understanding. It runs counter to the principles of moderation that Malaysia wishes to practice and project.
"We would not achieve the Malaysia that our founding fathers and the original federal constitution envisaged, and which all right thinking Malaysians hope for," warned Leong.