Lawyer convicted of defaming Singapore hospital cleared to join legal profession
Singapore-based media organisation CNA reported yesterday that Ariffin Iskandar Sha Ali Akbar, 28, who published the fabricated story on the Wake Up Singapore website in 2022, was fined S$8,000 (RM26,400) last year.
Despite objections from the Singapore attorney general and the Singapore Institute of Legal Education, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon ruled that Ariffin remained fit to practise law.
The Chief Justice noted Ariffin's cooperation, remorse, and efforts to retract the story and apologise to KKH, adding that the offence stemmed from negligence rather than dishonesty.
The Law Society of Singapore did not object to his admission, describing the offence as 'not one of serious gravity and did not involve any dishonesty.'
Ariffin, also a former Singapore Democratic Party candidate, will be called to the Bar on August 13.
He expressed gratitude following the court decision.
'I hope to use this privilege of practice to serve the community and help those in need,' he said, as reported by CNA.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
12 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Senior Chinese diplomat taken in for questioning
Liu Jianchao was 'taken away' after returning to Beijing from a work trip abroad in late July. (EPA Images pic) BEIJING : A senior Chinese diplomat considered a contender for future foreign minister has been detained by authorities for questioning, the Wall Street Journal reported today. Liu Jianchao, head of a department under the ruling Communist Party that oversees relations with foreign political parties, was 'taken away' after returning to Beijing from a work trip abroad in late July, according to people familiar with the matter, the report said. The reason for his detention could not be determined, it added. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request by AFP to confirm the report. Liu, 61, has previously served in key diplomatic roles including ambassadorships to the Philippines and Indonesia and foreign ministry spokesman. He has also led various national and regional bodies tasked with implementing president Xi Jinping's signature crackdown on corruption. His detention represents the highest-level inquiry into a Chinese diplomat since Qin Gang, who was removed as foreign minister in 2023 following reports of an extramarital affair. Liu has been widely viewed as a rising figure in the Chinese diplomatic world. In early July, he accused the US' defence chief of 'inciting confrontation and conflict' by urging American allies to bolster their militaries to counter China. His most recent public engagement was on July 29 in Algeria, following meetings in several African countries, Singapore and elsewhere late last month, according to the website of the International Department, which he currently heads.
Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Lawyer denies claims of public donations for Zara Qairina's family's legal fees
KOTA KINABALU — The lawyer representing the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir has denied claims that public donations are being sought to cover alleged legal expenses in the case, The Star reported. Hamid Ismail said the family had not requested any contributions and that his services were provided pro bono. 'If there's anyone who is opening a fund or claiming it's to pay RM2 million in legal fees, that is false and untrue,' he was quoted as saying when met at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's forensic department today. He was responding to comments on TikTok allegedly calling for donations to support legal services for Zara Qairina's family. Hamid also said the investigation process, which included the exhumation, was still ongoing and expected to take time. 'As expected, it will take a long time. We are not allowed to go inside,' he said, adding that Zara Qairina's mother was seen leaving the site briefly and appeared very emotional. More than 3,000 people from all walks of life attended a solidarity rally today to demand justice for her. The rally, held at the Labuan Food Court and coinciding with the Labuan Bike event, was organised by Kelab Wanita Sejahtera and led by Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Rafi Ali Hassan. The event drew a rare display of unity as local political leaders, including from PKR and Warisan, took to the stage to deliver impassioned speeches calling for truth, justice, and an end to violence against children. Zara Qairina, was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on July 17. She had been rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious in a drain near the dormitory of a religious school in Papar at about 4 am on July 16. In a significant development, her body was exhumed late last night and transported to Kota Kinabalu. A post-mortem has been scheduled for today at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I to assist ongoing police investigations into her death, which has drawn public outrage.
Free Malaysia Today
14 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Toddler, allegedly abused by father and stepmum, dies
The couple has been remanded for a week to assist in the investigation. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Police have arrested a married couple on suspicion of fatally abusing their one-year-and-11-month-old son. Kuala Terengganu police chief Azli Noor said police received a report from Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital regarding the boy's death at 4.14pm on Wednesday, Bernama reported. He said the toddler, the youngest of two children, was brought to the hospital unconscious at 1pm by his father and stepmother. They claimed that the child had fallen, causing his forehead to swell. The father said he applied ice to reduce the swelling and the child began playing as normal. 'However, at about noon the next day (Wednesday), while preparing to feed him milk, the father found the child weak and his body limp. 'The father said he massaged the boy's neck to prevent a seizure, causing it to bruise,' Azli said in a statement today. The couple took the child to the Manir health clinic but were referred to the hospital due to his critical condition. The victim was pronounced dead at 2.05pm yesterday. Azli said the child had suffered brain injuries as well as bruises and wounds. He said a post-mortem revealed the cause of death as intracranial haemorrhage due to blunt force trauma. He said the father confessed to hitting the victim with a clothes hanger. The 27-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were detained at 10pm in Marang shortly after the boy's burial. They were later remanded for a week for investigations. The couple's other son, aged three, has been placed under the care of the social welfare department.
