Circular No: 021/2025
Date: 10 February 2025
Dear YBGK Kuala Lumpur Lawyers,
The LAC/YBGK Secretariat (“Secretariat“) would like to bring the following matters to your attention:
1. YBGK Pre-Trial Duty Roster
The Secretariat have observed frequent changes being made to the pre-trial duty roster, including:
- Attending Court on the allocated duty days on a selective time basis;
- Swapping duty slots without prior approval;
- Not attending duty without a valid reason; and
- Assisting another YBGK lawyer on duty without prior approval.
These practices may create challenges for lawyers committed to fulfilling their YBGK duties.
As a reminder, when you sign up for pre-trial duty at KL Courts or KL Remand Centres, you are expected to be present for the entire day. The YBGK scheme requires full attendance, formal coordination, and adherence to duty commitments in order to ensure there are no hiccups in the carrying out of the duties.
Moving forward, the Secretariat may remove the names of lawyers who do not adhere to these guidelines from the duty roster.
2. Professional Conduct While on Duty
The Secretariat have received reports that some YBGK KL lawyers may be engaging in activities that could be perceived as touting.
Maintaining the integrity of the YBGK scheme is of utmost importance. Any lawyer found to be engaging in such practices will subject to further review.
Additionally, lawyers should refrain from distributing name cards to clients or their next of kin while on duty. If a client or their family wishes to engage your services privately, please inform the Secretariat as soon as possible to ensure transparency and avoid any potential concerns.
3. KL & Selangor Lawyers’ Duty Allocation
There have been inquiries regarding the allocation of duty days between KL and Selangor lawyers.
The Secretariat wishes to clarify that KL lawyers are given priority on allocation of duty days. However, YBGK’s primary goal is to ensure legal representation for those in need, regardless of the lawyer’s state of registration. We encourage KL lawyers to apply for additional duty days if available.
4. Audit on YBGK Lawyers
A nationwide audit of YBGK lawyers is currently in progress. Some lawyers have already undergone the process.
Initial feedback indicates areas where improvements in the quality of representation are needed. The Secretariat encourages all YBGK lawyers to continue enhancing their professional performance. As a first step towards this, we have organised, in collaboration with the KL Bar Committee’ and the Bar Council’s Advocacy Training Committee, a Criminal Advocacy Training Course for, among others, YBGK lawyers. Reference is made to KLBC circular No: 205/2024 in respect of the same. We shall continue to look into methods to help assist YBGK lawyers on this aspect.
Those requiring further guidance may refer to Bar Council Circular No. 003/2024/LW on the Audit of YBGK Lawyers’ Performance.
5. General Matters
YBGK exists to provide legal aid to those who cannot afford representation.
Lawyers should represent as many clients as they are able to handle on their assigned duty days, regardless of the maximum claimable amount. If additional support is required, please reach out to the Secretariat so that necessary arrangements can be made.
All YBGK duty arrangements must be coordinated through the Secretariat. Claims arising from unauthorized arrangements may not be approved by YBGK HQ.
Additionally, the YBGK Governance Guidelines (Bar Council Circular No. 001/2025/LW) will come into effect on 15 February 2025. Kindly ensure the use of updated forms to facilitate smooth processing of claims.
The Secretariat appreciate your cooperation and dedication to the YBGK initiative.
Alvin Oh Seong Yew
Chairman
Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee
Morhaneraj Rajakumaran
Chairperson
Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (Kuala Lumpur)