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Free Malaysia Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt reviewing proposal to abolish articled clerk route, says Kulasegaran
Deputy law and institutional reform minister M Kulasegaran said the proposal was submitted to the government by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board with the programme's low uptake cited as one of the main reasons. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The legal affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department is reviewing a proposal to abolish the articled clerk route to becoming a lawyer, according to deputy law and institutional reform minister M Kulasegaran. The articled clerkship programme, provided for under the Legal Profession Act 1976, allows individuals to read law without attending law school full-time. Kulasegaran said the proposal was submitted to the government by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) in March, with the programme's low uptake cited as one of the main reasons. According to the board, only 36 people applied to qualify through the articled clerk pathway between 1979 and 2024, with just 17 eventually becoming lawyers. 'The last time this pathway was used was in 1992. Since its discontinuation in 1995, there has been no infrastructure in place to conduct legal clerk training,' he said. He added that the LPQB had not registered new articled clerks for admission as advocates and solicitors in Malaysia since January 1985. Other reasons cited by the board included the move by countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore to abolish similar pathways. However, Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) objected to the explanation, calling it a violation of parliamentary authority and the courts. 'I am shocked, saddened, and angry at the deputy minister's response,' he said. 'The Legal Profession Act clearly states that the board's role includes conducting instructional courses and regulating training for articled clerks. How can it defy the law? This is an Act passed by Parliament.' He also said the Court of Appeal had ruled in December 2024 that the board's failure to implement the articled clerk pathway was unlawful, questioning the legal basis of the board's inaction. 'The judges of the Court of Appeal ruled that the board was wrong and should have rectified its error. This wasn't a ruling from a village or school court,' he said. 'The board is insulting both Parliament and the Court of Appeal. Who gave them the authority to act as though the law is in their hands? 'The board includes the attorney-general, judges, and representatives from the Bar Council. If they refuse to fulfil their legal duties, they should resign.' Kulasegaran said he took Khoo's criticism seriously and acknowledged that the board must fulfil its statutory obligations. 'As a lawyer myself, I agree that the LPQB has a legal duty that cannot be disregarded,' he said. Kulasegaran also revealed that he had personally sponsored five underprivileged youths to pursue legal education at his firm, noting that not all Malaysians had access to formal legal training due to financial hardship. 'I'm puzzled that the board overlooked this issue. I personally know hundreds of poor individuals working as clerks in law firms who were denied this pathway to legal training,' he said. 'Some of us are very poor and need support. I will convey Kota Melaka's criticism to the relevant officers, and I hope they will act swiftly to implement the intent of the law and respect the will of Parliament without dereliction.'
Barnama
7 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
RM4 Bln Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah Cash Aid Disbursed Via Phase 1 And 2 Payments -- MOF
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- The latest data showed that over 8.5 million Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients have been registered, and RM4 billion in cash aid disbursed through the initiative's Phase 1 and 2 payments, said the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The ministry highlighted that two more STR payment phases are scheduled for August and November this year. 'The government has increased the allocation for STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) to a record high of RM13 billion, up from RM10 billion. 'This increase continues to benefit nine million recipients, equivalent to 60 per cent of Malaysia's adult population,' it said in a written reply posted on the Parliament's website today. The ministry was responding to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) regarding the total financial allocation disbursed in 2024 for the SARA programme. Regarding the SARA programme, MOF said that as of July 14, 2025, more than 4.9 million recipients have used their MyKad to purchase basic goods at participating stores. It said the purchases reflect an overall usage rate of 92 per cent in the fourth month of credit disbursement. 'A total of 5.4 million recipients have been registered, with an annual SARA entitlement amounting to RM5 billion. 'The number of SARA recipients also significantly increased from 700,000 to 5.4 million starting April 2025,' it said.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM4 bil STR cash aid disbursed to 8.5 mil recipients in 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) confirmed that over 8.5 million Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) recipients have received RM4 billion in cash aid under Phase 1 and 2 payments. Two additional phases are scheduled for August and November 2025. The government increased STR and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) allocations to a record RM13 billion, up from RM10 billion. This benefits nine million recipients, covering 60 per cent of Malaysia's adult population. MOF stated this in a parliamentary reply to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), who inquired about SARA's 2024 financial allocation. For SARA, over 4.9 million recipients have used MyKad to buy essentials at participating stores as of July 14, 2025. The programme recorded a 92 per cent usage rate in its fourth month, with RM5 billion allocated annually for 5.4 million recipients. 'The number of SARA recipients surged from 700,000 to 5.4 million starting April 2025,' MOF added. The government continues monitoring to ensure aid reaches those facing cost-of-living challenges. – Bernama
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Auditor-General's report debate in parliament boosts governance reforms
KUALA LUMPUR: The debate on the 2025 Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) Series 2 in the Dewan Rakyat has been hailed as a crucial move to enhance governance reforms and integrity in public institutions. Members of Parliament (MPs) commended the government for tabling the report, allowing elected representatives to scrutinise findings and propose improvements. Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) stated that the debate reflects the government's commitment to reform under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'Congratulations to the National Audit Department for a detailed report and allowing parliamentary debate. This reform measure should be repeated,' he said during the session. Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) added that the debate strengthens checks and balances, aligning with institutional reforms promised by the government. MPs also provided suggestions on issues raised in the report, covering five programmes, activities, and projects across seven ministries, with an audited cost of RM48.873 billion. Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) proposed transforming cooking oil subsidies into targeted e-vouchers via the Central Database Hub (PADU) to address weaknesses in the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (COSS). 'This will reduce administrative burdens, increase transparency, and prevent leakages,' he said. Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) urged stricter enforcement against foreigners purchasing subsidised cooking oil, suggesting MyKad or MyDigital ID verification. 'Embezzlement betrays the people and must be stopped,' he said. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) called for a disciplinary board for GLCs to review acquisitions exceeding RM100 million, following irregularities in FELCRA Berhad's palm oil plantation purchase. 'The Companies Commission and MACC should investigate potential malpractice,' he said. Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) highlighted a RM107.54 million defence procurement breach, stating it undermines financial regulations and public trust. 'Failing to enforce contracts properly results in financial losses and weakens preparedness,' she said. – Bernama
Barnama
23-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Auditor-General's Report Debate In Parliament Boosts Governance Reforms, Integrity
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- The debate on the 2025 Auditor-General's Report (LKAN) Series 2 in the Dewan Rakyat today has been described as a significant step towards strengthening the accountability and transparency of public institutions, in line with the government's commitment to governance reforms. Members of Parliament (MPs) praised the government's decision to table LKAN 2/2025 for debate in the Dewan Rakyat as a progressive move, allowing elected representatives to scrutinise the audit findings and put forward constructive proposals for improvement. They believe that this approach reflects the government's unwavering commitment to strengthening the integrity of public financial management while ensuring that the implementation of government programmes delivers tangible benefits to the people. Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) said the debate on the report is clear evidence of the government's ongoing reforms under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration, which dares to make bold changes. 'Congratulations also to the National Audit Department for providing a detailed report and allowing the Dewan Rakyat to debate it… this is a reform measure that needs to be repeated,' he said during the LKAN 2/2025 debate session in the Dewan Rakyat today. Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) said the debate provided an opportunity for elected representatives to voice reprimands, views, and constructive criticisms on LKAN, thereby strengthening the checks and balances in line with the institutional reforms promised by the government. Meanwhile, MPs who took part in the debate also offered reprimands and suggestions for improvements on the issues highlighted in LKAN, which involved the audit results of five programmes, activities, and projects across seven ministries, with the total audited cost amounting to RM48.873 billion. Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) proposed that the cooking oil subsidy be transformed into targeted assistance through e-vouchers using the Central Database Hub (PADU) system, following the serious weaknesses in the Cooking Oil Price Stabilisation Scheme (COSS) highlighted in LKAN. 'With this voucher, consumers can make purchases at supermarkets, retail stores, or online. This approach will also reduce administrative burdens, increase transparency, and prevent leakages that have plagued the distribution chain,' he said.
