KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is considering introducing a comprehensive common bar course (CBC) or exam (CBE) to enhance the current professional qualification exam for lawyers, which is the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP), says the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kula Segaran.
In a special chambers session in Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Kula said that the move was to align the CLP with international standards such as the Bar Professional Training Course in the UK.
He also said that the existing exam, which is a fully written one, will be enhanced with components that focus on skills and practical training, including advocacy and mock trials.
“The Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) approved a new proposal to form a CBC curriculum committee during a meeting (held) on October 8.
“This committee is tasked with discussing the curriculum and syllabus development for the CBC,” said the deputy minister when responding to a question from S. Kesavan (Sg Siput-PH).
Kula added that the move would be studied to assess its potential implications, particularly for both local and international law graduates.
He further explained that the aspects that need to be studied are the syllabus and curriculum, assessment methods, trainers, administration, management and financial requirements necessary for rolling out the CBC or CBE.
“Ongoing consultation sessions with relevant stakeholders will ensure all issues are addressed. Currently, the LPQB and the Malaysian Bar are actively drafting an implementation plan,” Kula added. – October 30, 2024