KUALA LUMPUR – Lawyer Anand Raj has been elected president of the Malaysian Bar for the 2026/2027 term, succeeding Datuk Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, at the Bar’s 80th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday (March 14).
He previously served as vice-president during the 2024/2025 term, a position now held by Murshidah Mustafa, who was previously secretary. R. Jayabalan was appointed as the new secretary, while Peter-Douglas Ling takes on the role of treasurer, local media reported.
Speaking at a press conference following the AGM, Anand highlighted the continuity in leadership. “All of us — the president, vice president and secretary — have moved up a step from where we were in the previous term which ended today. That signals continuity,” he said, as quoted by NST online.
He added that Ling, the newly elected treasurer, brings a dual background in law and accounting to the role.
“The council saw fit to elect Peter-Douglas Ling, who has a background in accounts as well as law, to the post of treasurer,” Anand said.
The new leadership team is committed to strengthening the Bar’s role as an independent voice within the justice system. “This demonstrates continuity in leadership, and we remain committed to upholding the values of the Bar and speaking without fear or favour,” he added.
The AGM, attended by 433 members, passed nine of 11 motions tabled. Among them was a resolution on prosecutorial independence calling for the separation of the offices of the Attorney-General (AG) and the Public Prosecutor (PP).
Anand said the motion was unanimously approved, reiterating the Bar’s long-standing stance. “This is essential to maintain public confidence in the justice system. We have seen this separation adopted in a number of jurisdictions, and it has consistently worked better that way.”
However, he expressed reservations over the current bill intended to effect the separation.
“While we support the principle behind the bill, its operational provisions and amendments do not meaningfully promote accountability and transparency, which are the main reasons for the separation.
Regrettably, the proposals in the bill allow executive interference in the role of the AG and in the selection of the PP, which undermines accountability and transparency,” Anand said.
He emphasised the Bar’s resolve to safeguard the rule of law, noting that amendments would be sought to address shortcomings in the bill.
“Our proposals include several technical amendments, but in short, we do not believe the bill goes far enough to ensure accountability and transparency. Executive interference should not be permitted in these positions,” he said. – March 14, 2026