GEORGE TOWN: The Oct 22 attack of a lawyer in Penang by two individuals wielding metal rods is an assault on the rule of law, says Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab.
"The Penang Bar Committee has reported that the lawyer had no known personal disputes, making it highly likely that this attack was related to his role in upholding justice," he said
"If so, this is an attack on all members of the legal profession and a direct challenge to the principles we stand for," added Mohamad Ezri in a statement on Saturday (Oct 26).
He said that lawyers are officers of the court, committed to serving justice, and must be able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
Mohamad Ezri added that any grievance against a lawyer should be addressed through lawful channels, not by resorting to barbaric acts of aggression.
He said that violence targeting those who defend the rights of others undermines the very foundation of our justice system.
"We call on the police and authorities to take immediate and decisive action to thoroughly investigate this incident, apprehend those responsible, and ensure that justice is served," said Mohamad Ezri.
"We cannot allow such acts of violence to be treated with anything less than the utmost seriousness. The legal profession will not stand idly by while one of its members is brutally attacked without consequence," he added.
Mohamad Ezri said the Malaysian Bar emphasises that lawyers are an integral part of the judicial process, and their safety and security must be ensured at all times.
"We urge all individuals, including our members, to remain vigilant in these challenging times, whether in personal residences or public spaces," he said.
