Parti Bumi Kenyalang views with deep concern the recent action by the Malaysian Anti–Corruption Commission (MACC) in calling Mahajoth Singh—one of the lawyers representing controversial businessman Albert Tei—for investigation. This development has raised serious alarm among members of the legal fraternity and the public, as it may signal a troubling encroachment on the rights of counsels acting for accused persons or suspects in corruption cases.

The MACC now risks being perceived as a mechanism to silence or intimidate lawyers in the discharge of their professional duties. Such a perception not only undermines confidence in the justice system, but also threatens the constitutional right of every suspect to be represented by counsel without fear or interference.

At present, the public is left guessing about the reasons behind the investigation of Mahajoth Singh. If the call by MACC is indeed related to cases involving Albert Tei, in which Mahajoth Singh is acting as counsel, this raises very serious implications. It could discourage legal practitioners from defending individuals in corruption cases, including cases involving whistleblowers, out of fear that they themselves may be targeted.

Parti Bumi Kenyalang urges civil society, the Malaysian Bar, the Sarawak Advocates Association (SAA), and the Sabah Law Society (SLS) to voice their concern on this matter. Lawyers must be able to perform their duties independently and without intimidation from any law enforcement agency.

Any action that creates a chilling effect on the legal profession sets a dangerous precedent—one that may amount to an affront to the administration of justice and a potential obstruction of justice itself.

We call on all relevant bodies to closely monitor this issue and to stand firm in safeguarding the independence of the legal profession and the rights of all citizens to fair representation.

Voon Lee Shan
President,
Parti Bumi Kenyalang