Kula allays fears over Malay proficiency of foreign-trained lawyers

Kula allays fears over Malay proficiency of foreign-trained lawyers

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy law and institutional reform minister M Kula Segaran has dismissed concerns that lawyers who graduate abroad may lack proficiency in Malay.

Kula said that based on his experience, these lawyers are typically fluent enough in Malay to the point that they can conduct cross-examinations effectively.

“So, it’s not a problem. And if there are issues like this, in reality, clients will not give those cases (to the lawyers) because during cross-examination, in my own experience, you must be well-versed in the matter,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He also said Malay is the mandatory language in Malaysian courts, with English used only in specific situations.

“If someone is not fluent, I’m not sure they can be a lawyer who can go to court,” he said.

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He also said lawyers practising in Malaysia must be proficient in both Malay and English due to most legal materials being in English, and international arbitration.

“We need those on par with foreign lawyers who use English to engage in discussions about agreements and so on,” he said.

He was responding to Abdul Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun), who inquired about government efforts to strengthen Malay proficiency among law graduates from overseas institutions.

On a separate matter, Kula said he has ordered the Legal Profession Qualifying Board to urgently fill the position of audit secretary, which has been vacant for three years.

“This has become a topic of discussion among the public and lawyers, where a board that has not been audited for 17 years is unacceptable, and action needs to be taken,” he said.