Steven Thiru the new Malaysian Bar president

KUALA LUMPUR: Steven Thiru has been elected president of the Malaysian Bar, replacing Christopher Leong.
At the Malaysian Bar's 69th annual general meeting (AGM) today, new face George Varughese is deputy president and Karen Cheah Yee Lynn, general secretary.
After the AGM, in his maiden press conference as Malaysian Bar president, Thiru said the Bar had discussed 12 motions, including a motion on lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah's conduct over the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sodomy appeal.
"We received the injunction order late last night (March 13) and we abide by the terms. Therefore, the issue of Muhammad Shafie's conduct could not be discussed...no decision could be made, so it (motion) was rejected," he said.
However, he said the Malaysian Bar was disappointed over Muhammad Shafie's absenteeism in today's meeting to discuss the issue but added he had obtained injunction preventing the matter from being discussed.
Thiru also commended the approach taken by a group of lawyers who called themselves 'G100', who tabled a motion to call upon Leong to retract his statement dated Feb 11, titled, 'Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim: prosecuted or persecuted?'
The group had urged Leong to tender a public apology for insulting the judiciary.
"They brought the issue to public attention, and also tabled the motion. The members (Malaysian Bar) have voted and rejected the (group's) motion so they have to accept it with an open heart.
"Although they (the group) may not agree, the members have voted and the decision has been made, namely Christopher (Leong) did not have to retract the statement and apologise for the statement made in his capacity as Malaysian Bar president...and it was directed at the prosecution, not the judiciary," said Thiru.
He insisted the council was not in favour of any religion or race but upheld the Malaysian Constitution and the nation's laws and principles without taking into account the interests of individuals or political parties.
"The Malaysian Bar recognises that Islam is the official religion of the Federation, and other religions may be practised in peace and harmony.
"The Royal Institution is an integral and important part of our nation building," he said, quoting the open memorandum which was sent to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak on Oct 16.
Another major motion passed at the meeting was the motion brought by counsel S. Ambiga and supported by K. Ragunath, which once again asked the government to repeal the Sedition Act 1948. – Bernama