(Miri, 25th) Miri Member of Parliament Chiew Choon Man recently issued a statement calling on the federal government to address the shortage of legal aid resources in the northern region of Sarawak. He pointed out that the Miri Legal Aid Bureau currently has only one to two legal officers, which is insufficient to meet the needs of a wide area covering from Lawas to Bintulu.
Chiew Choon Man specifically emphasized that a lack of guardianship documents is one of the main obstacles in the issue of school enrollment for stateless children. According to the Sarawak Children's Guardianship Ordinance, parents can apply for a guardianship order through the court as proof of enrollment. However, many families struggle to afford legal fees due to financial difficulties. Increasing the number of legal officers in the Miri Legal Aid Bureau could assist more low-income families in completing the necessary legal procedures, thereby securing government school education opportunities for stateless children.
Proposed Two Legal Reform Suggestions
During discussions on the 2024 budget, Chiew Choon Man also raised two key issues regarding the reform of the Legal Profession Act 1976 (LPQB). First, why are there no representatives from Sabah and Sarawak in the LPQB? He urged the government to amend the act as soon as possible to ensure that lawyers from Sabah and Sarawak can become LPQB members, reflecting the legal needs and contributions of East Malaysia. Second, is the composition of the LPQB reasonable? He questioned the rationality of the LPQB being chaired by the Attorney General and involving senior government officials, suggesting that it should comprise more legal practitioners to ensure professional independence.
Protection of Whistleblowers and Promotion of the Freedom of Information Act
Regarding the recent public concern about whistleblower protection, Zhao Junwen stated that under the current Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, if a whistleblower is involved in misconduct, their protection eligibility will be revoked. He believes this clause may hinder whistleblowers from providing crucial information, thereby affecting enforcement effectiveness. He urged the government to revise the act to expand whistleblower protection, encouraging more individuals to expose misconduct.
Moreover, he inquired about the legislative progress of the Freedom of Information Act. He stated that the act aims to enhance government transparency and accountability, and the public should have the right to access relevant information from government departments and agencies. He hopes the government will clarify the legislative timetable and ensure effective implementation for the benefit of society.
Zhao Junwen's statement calls for strengthening legal aid, reforming existing laws, and promoting transparency mechanisms to ensure a fairer and more effective legal system in Sarawak and across the country, providing better legal protection for the people.
Proposed Two Legal Reform Suggestions
During discussions on the 2024 budget, Chiew Choon Man also raised two key issues regarding the reform of the Legal Profession Act 1976 (LPQB). First, why are there no representatives from Sabah and Sarawak in the LPQB? He urged the government to amend the act as soon as possible to ensure that lawyers from Sabah and Sarawak can become LPQB members, reflecting the legal needs and contributions of East Malaysia. Second, is the composition of the LPQB reasonable? He questioned the rationality of the LPQB being chaired by the Attorney General and involving senior government officials, suggesting that it should comprise more legal practitioners to ensure professional independence.
Protection of Whistleblowers and Promotion of the Freedom of Information Act
Regarding the recent public concern about whistleblower protection, Zhao Junwen stated that under the current Whistleblower Protection Act 2010, if a whistleblower is involved in misconduct, their protection eligibility will be revoked. He believes this clause may hinder whistleblowers from providing crucial information, thereby affecting enforcement effectiveness. He urged the government to revise the act to expand whistleblower protection, encouraging more individuals to expose misconduct.
Moreover, he inquired about the legislative progress of the Freedom of Information Act. He stated that the act aims to enhance government transparency and accountability, and the public should have the right to access relevant information from government departments and agencies. He hopes the government will clarify the legislative timetable and ensure effective implementation for the benefit of society.
Zhao Junwen's statement calls for strengthening legal aid, reforming existing laws, and promoting transparency mechanisms to ensure a fairer and more effective legal system in Sarawak and across the country, providing better legal protection for the people.