Statutory body to regulate lawyers in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Hj Aman has lauded the establishment of the Sabah Law Society (SLS) as a statutory body to regulate the lawyers of the state.
According to Musa, the establishment of the SLS on July 1 has marked a milestone for the legal industry as there are now two statutory bodies for the same profession, the other being the Malaysian Bar Council (which only regulates lawyers in West Malaysia).
He had also congratulated SLS for the opening of its new secretariat at Menara MAA.
“It is material to record that the creation of a statutory body in Sabah is also in accordance with constitutional safeguards as stated in the Inter-Governmental Report.
“This historic moment provided recognition for the autonomy of the legal profession in Sabah,” Musa said in his speech, read by Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.
Musa commended the efforts of the current executive committee of the Sabah Law Association (SLA) and past committees and members of the Sabah Bar who had contributed to making the SLS a reality.
He said lawyers play an important role in moving the state forward as the law regulates most aspects of the people’s lives, adding that the SLA had always been vocal on legal issues and interests of the community.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the SLA for its commitment and input in the Steering Committee for the Review of the Subsidiary Title and Management Corporation and its contribution in the launching of the Land Dealings Electronic Submission System Version 2.1.
Also present in the event was SLA president Brenndon Soh.
“The SLA also has a disciplinary board to hear complaints against lawyers, the chairman of which I understand will be appointed imminently.
“In addition, the SLS will have the power to operate a deceased lawyer’s account as well as the ability to make rules to make it compulsory for all lawyers to have professional indemnity insurance,” Brenndon disclosed.
He further asserted that the establishment of the secretariat was timely as the SLS required larger premises.
“Now today not only marks the official launching of the SLS’ new secretariat where the engine of administration is carried out but it also signifies the recognition of a fundamental evolvement of the legal fraternity in Sabah,” he said.