The Malaysian Bar notes recent and troubling media reports that several bank officers have been charged with accepting bribes from a law firm.
These reports indicate that the officers allegedly received commissions or inducements in exchange for directing customers to a particular firm for financing documentation.
This is a serious matter that strikes at public trust, not only in financial institutions but also in the integrity of the legal profession.
The Malaysian Bar thanks the enforcement agencies for treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Their firm action sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated and that accountability applies to every party involved.
These revelations are a harsh reminder of a more profound and long-standing problem – “nanah dalam daging”- that has affected the legal industry for years. Such practices distort competition, erode professionalism and directly harm the economic wellbeing of honest lawyers who refuse to engage in corrupt arrangements.
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The Malaysian Bar unequivocally condemns all forms of corruption. Integrity and independence are essential pillars of the legal profession, and any conduct that undermines these values cannot be excused.
The Bar Council will lodge disciplinary complaints against any lawyer or law firm implicated.
So, lawyers who choose to engage in such corrupt practices should take heed.
They can no longer assume that silence will protect them, as law firms involved in such schemes may now turn against those who facilitated or solicited these payments, whether through cooperation with investigators or through disciplinary proceedings.
The Malaysian Bar remains committed to safeguarding the honour of the profession and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice. We will continue to act firmly and responsibly to uphold the legal profession and whatever it stands for. – Bar
Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab is the president of the Malaysian Bar.
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