I refer to the recent elections to the Malaysian Bar Council. Sulaiman Abdullah who served for one term as president some years ago has been re-elected this year. Congratulations to 'Tuan Haji' as he is more affectionately known.

He was quoted in your report as saying that, "Many people think that just because they have a law degree, they have a right to be part of the profession". To be a member of the Bar is not a right but a privilege."

I think this is an unfortunate statement for any lawyer to make, whether one is senior or a junior member of the legal profession. Lawyers in practice I think may be besotted with the idea that they are the true defenders of the faith of law and lawyering!

Perhaps the good Tuan Haji should investigate the provisions of the Legal Profession Act (he is reputed to carry one without fail to the Bar AGM). There is nothing in the Act which calls for admission to the Bar as one of privilege.

I would think it simply untenable for one to read into the Act, something of a restriction. Every lawyer has a right to be in the profession as long as the lawyer is so qualified.

Whether a lawyer works for the "good of the profession" is something a good law school and perhaps a pro-active council should inculcate, promote and support in the face of a disabling political environment.