KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia prepares to introduce a comprehensive common bar course (CBC) or exam (CBE) for lawyers' professional qualification, M. Kulasegaran announced that the committee responsible for developing the curriculum will be led by the president of the Malaysian Bar.
"On Oct 8, the Legal Profession Qualifying Board agreed to form a committee to discuss the curriculum and syllabus for the CBC. This committee will be chaired by the Bar Council President, who is also part of the qualifying board," said the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Last year, it was reported that Malaysia aims to enhance the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP), currently the professional qualification exam for lawyers, with the CBC or CBE.
Kulasegaran noted that several aspects need consideration for implementing the CBC, including the syllabus, trainers, assessments, evaluation, administration, and finances.
The board is also examining bar training courses from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore to determine the best model for Malaysia.
"The board will consider models from these countries to implement the best CBC or CBE model suitable for the Malaysian legal sector," he added.
The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU) is also exploring reforms for the board to ensure it remains relevant.
"The BHEUU organised a roundtable with academics and lawyers from local and foreign universities on Feb 5 to gather input and discuss the matter extensively," he said, noting a forum is scheduled for Feb 12.
The government acknowledges the urgent need for legal sector reforms, particularly in legal education.
Kulasegaran was responding to a question by Chiew Choon Man (PH-Miri) regarding the Legal Profession Qualifying Board's progress on introducing a CBC or CBE and the steps taken since last year.
In a supplementary question, Chiew expressed disappointment over the slow progress, noting that forming the CBC committee was the only significant step. He also queried whether the government would consider including more lawyers, especially from Sabah and Sarawak, on the board.
Kulasegaran admitted to a lack of reforms over the past 15 years, emphasising the need for urgent action and reforming board membership to include stakeholders with expertise.
"I agree that more lawyers should be on this board, including representatives from Sabah and Sarawak," he said, noting that more than 60% of advocates and solicitors in these states are CLP graduates.
"Some of the curriculum is outdated, and new leadership is needed," he added.
Meanwhile, Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) inquired about expanding the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the legal profession.
Kulasegaran stated that the national language is still used in courts, and a credit in Bahasa Malaysia is required for law courses at the SPM level.
However, he noted that approximately 90% of law books are in English.
"We need proficiency in English, but we should not sideline Bahasa Malaysia," he said.
