Malaysia: Bar condemns brutal assault of lawyer in Penang

The Malaysian Bar has condemned the brutal assault of a lawyer in Penang last Tuesday.

In the attack, which took place in George Town, the lawyer was viciously attacked by two unknown assailants wielding metal rods, leaving him with serious injuries to the head and shin.

“The Malaysian Bar is shocked and angered by the recent, brutal assault of a member of the Penang Bar, which occurred on Oct 22 in broad daylight along Karpal Singh Drive.

“This premeditated ambush is not only an attack on the individual, but also an assault on the rule of law,” Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said in a statement.

He added that the Penang Bar committee has reported that the lawyer had no known personal disputes, so it was likely that the attack was “related to his role in upholding justice”.

Ezri called this an attack on all members of the legal profession and a direct challenge to the principles the Bar stood for.

“The Malaysian Bar strongly condemns this cowardly and reprehensible assault. Lawyers are officers of the court, committed to serving justice, and must be able to carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation,” he said.

He added that any grievance against a lawyer should be addressed through lawful channels, and not by resorting to barbaric acts of aggression.

Malaysia: Bar condemns brutal assault of lawyer in Penang