KOTA KINABALU: Lawyers in Sabah should consider offering pro bono legal services to those who cannot afford legal advice and representation, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic).
The Chief Minister said pro bono legal work is a social responsibility and law firms can build pro bono projects into their business models to give back to society and promote a positive reputation.
"It is a noble calling, a responsibility to our community and something you can all be proud of," he said, adding that getting justice is for everyone.
He said he hoped that the Sabah Law Society would continue and expand representation to the unrepresented in Sabah.
Hajiji said this at the Sabah Law Society (SLS) inaugural Gala Night at the Magellan Sutera on Saturday (Sept 30). State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew delivered his speech.
SLS, he said, embodied professionalism, entrusted with the vital responsibility of regulating the conduct of legal practitioners in Sabah.
Hajiji said SLS played an essential role in upholding the rule of law, a cornerstone upon which any just and equitable society firmly rested.
"I wish to see the Sabah Law Society's continued rise to excellence. I want to see it evolve into a symbol of legal eminence, setting elevated standards for lawyers in our region.
"In order to achieve this, it is imperative for SLS to remain attuned to modern practices and fully embrace innovation," he said.
Nonetheless, Hajiji said that as a guardian of justice, SLS must extend its influence beyond the courtroom and fully embrace its role as a catalyst for positive societal transformation.
He said the state government valued the important partnership with the Sabah Law Society, among them being the setting up of the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (BICAM), launched in July this year.
"We take pride in supporting the initial funding of this significant milestone in our journey towards excellence in professional services and the promotion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) not only in Borneo but also the broader Nusantara and BIMP-EAGA regions," said Hajiji.
He said the state appreciated the society's invaluable contributions in shaping laws that impact Sabah and that their active involvement in stakeholder consultations were instrumental in ensuring that the legal framework aligns with the aspirations and needs of Sabah.
"We also recognise the pivotal role played by the Sabah Law Society in promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through legal visits to other countries," he said.
"Your efforts in establishing connections and fostering international partnerships are vital in attracting investments that drive economic growth and create opportunities for our people," Hajiji said, adding that their efforts complement the state government's push to attract investors.
During the event, the Chief Minister was also pleased to learn of SLS' continued plans to host international law conferences in Sabah, saying such functions attract legal luminaries, scholars, and experts from around the world.
He said such conferences would serve as platforms for the development of the state's human capital in addition to offering local legal practitioners and scholars the opportunity to engage with global thought leaders, gain insights into cutting-edge legal practices, and expand their horizons.
"Together, we can put Sabah on the map as a premier destination for legal discourse, enrich our human capital, and further strengthen our position as a region of growth and opportunity," said Hajiji.
