World · Malaysia Bureau
Ramkarpal sees echoes of father's past in lawyer probe
The DAP politician has drawn parallels between a current police investigation into lawyers and his father Karpal Singh's prosecution decades ago while defending Anwar Ibrahim. Another lawyer-turned-politician has also expressed concern about the latest police action.
LSN Malaysia ·
Ramkarpal Singh has drawn an uncomfortable parallel between a current police investigation involving lawyers and the prosecution his late father, senior counsel Karpal Singh, faced while mounting a legal defence for former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim during the 1990s.
The DAP member of parliament, whose constituency lies over 2,000 kilometres away, has characterised the latest police action as troubling, with another lawyer-turned-politician describing it as causing public disquiet over potential interference with the legal profession.
Karpal Singh, one of Malaysia's most prominent defence lawyers, faced multiple charges during Anwar's trial, an episode widely viewed as an attempt to intimidate the defence team. The veteran lawyer's experience became a landmark moment in Malaysian legal history, raising questions about judicial independence and the protection of lawyers performing their professional duties.
Ramkarpal's comments suggest concern that similar pressures may be mounting on the legal fraternity today. The investigation has drawn scrutiny from multiple quarters, with observers questioning whether police action against lawyers might chill legal advocacy on sensitive matters.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the legal profession over the scope and limits of police investigations touching on lawyers' work.