The Malaysian Bar today denounced the intimidation and harassment of its member Mathias Chang in discharging his duties on behalf of his client former Batu Kawan Umno division vice-chief, Khairuddin Abu Bakar.

Bar president Steven Thiru said every member of the Malaysian Bar was obliged to act without fear or favour in the client's interest with regards to rule of law and the administration of justice.

It was reported that Chang and his client Khairuddin were barred from travelling overseas on Sept 18, following Khairuddin's vocal criticism of the 1MDB affair.

Khairuddin, the Batu Kawan Umno division vice-chief, was initially arrested under Section 124C of the Penal Code for 'activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy' for lodging reports against 1MDB in several countries abroad.

He is now being hleld under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) which deals with terrorist activities.

“Chang was questioned by the police on Sept 28 and again on Oct 2 as a witness in respect of the allegations levelled against his client and he may be subjected to further questioning.”

“The Bar denounces the intimidation or harassment in the discharge of his or her duties when acting on behalf of any client.

“The Malaysian Bar further condemns any attempt to transgress or erode the principle of legal professional privilege or solicitor-client privilege, in the guise of a purported investigation of a lawyer,” said Thiru (photo) in a statement.

He also quoted Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria, who had observed that the lawyer does not merely carry out the duties he is professionally trained for, but assumes a special role in safeguarding the sanctity of the legal system and more importantly to uphold the rule of law.

'Do not obstruct'

Thiru said it is of fundamental importance that clients s enjoy absolute confidence in respect of all communications with their lawyers.

“The system of administration of justice depends for its vitality on full, free and frank communication between those who need legal advice and those who are best able to provide it.”

Thiru said the police must scrupulously adhere to this salutary principle stipulated in the Evidence Act as it is well entrenched in both statute and common law.

“The Malaysian Bar demands that police recognise and respect the role and responsibilities of Chang as a lawyer representing Khairuddin and refrain from any action that is likely to harass, impede or obstruct him from performing his duties to his client,” he said.