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Law group raps cops for ‘harassing’ Khairuddin’s lawyer
Published:  Sep 29, 2015 4:00 PM
Updated: 8:44 AM

Lawyers for Liberty has criticised police for questioning lawyer Matthias Chang, who had acted for former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan and who is currently being detained under the Securities Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

Chang’s client was being detained for 28 days under the anti-terrorism law on grounds of ‘sabotage’ after he lodged police reports in several countries over alleged financial misappropriation involving accounts linked to 1MDB and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

“The police’s action against Chang clearly amounts to harassment of a lawyer who was merely performing his duties to act for his client without fear or favour.

“Such harassment endangers the independence of the Bar and the fundamental principle of lawyer-client privilege by which all lawyers are bound,” said Lawyers for Liberty executive director Eric Paulsen.

Chang, who was a former political secretary to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was yesterday questioned by police over his work for Khairuddin.

Chang had accompanied Khairuddin in his police reports across the globe, which have triggered investigations in several countries including Hong Kong, US and Switzerland.

Paulsen said lawyers must be allowed to carry out their work freely without improper interference.

“The police surely must know that all communications and consultations between lawyers and their clients within their professional relationship are confidential and privileged.

“Further, the government has a duty to ensure that international standards such as the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers 1990 are complied with,” he said.

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