KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah has resigned as a member of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) advisory board citing “conflict of interest”.
In a statement, today, Cheah said the Bar objected to the requirements to be undertaken as a board member as a condition pursuant to a letter issued by the Chairman of the AIAC Advisory Board dated September 9.
Cheah’s appointment had been issued by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said through the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), on August 23 – wherein the appointment includes Malaysian Bar president to the board.
“In response to the requirements imposed, the president tendered her letter of resignation on September 11.
“The resignation takes effect immediately.”
She said the resignation was made following unanimous support of the Bar Council in upholding the principle of conflict of interest – which can arise in the course of carrying out statutory duties of the Malaysian Bar – to safeguard the independence of the Malaysian Bar vis-à-vis section 42 of the Legal Profession Act (LPA) 1976, and to ensure that the interests of the Malaysian Bar prevail and remain “uninfluenced by fear or favour”.
“It is the continued stand of the Malaysian Bar that the rule of law mandate under the LPA supersedes all other organisational interests.
“Given its statutory duties to its members and the general public, the independence of the Malaysian Bar cannot be compromised,” she said.
The Malaysian Bar further states that it remains steadfast in protecting the interests of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) community and ecosystem.
“The potential capabilities of ADR in impacting Malaysia cannot be understated.
“To that effect, we look forward to promoting ADR domestically and internationally.
“Joint efforts and collaborations with all organisations are welcomed in the interest of our ADR community,” she added. – September 12, 2023