Maza’s wrong, accused have right to defence, say lawyers

PETALING JAYA: Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, who is also known as Dr Maza, is wrong to say that Muslim lawyers cannot defend “offenders” because it is up to the court to decide who is an offender, say lawyers and a minister.All accused persons have the right to be defended in a court of law, they said.

Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah said an accused’s right to legal representation of his choice is guaranteed under Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution.