KUCHING: The Advocates’ Association of Sarawak (AAS) Kuching branch inquiry committee (IC) ex-chairman Frank Tang King Hung has officially handed over files and unfinished business of the former IC to the new IC under the chairmanship of John Ko Wai Seng.
The handover ceremony was conducted at the Kuching Court Complex in Petra Jaya here, yesterday.
The second term of the former IC under the chairmanship of Tang ended on June 30. Tang described Ko as a very senior advocate and former Judicial Commissioner.
“Adrian Chew will continue as the secretary for another term of two years,” he said, adding that the new IC’s term of office took effect on July 1 this year and will expire on June 30, 2021.
Summarising the work of the former IC, he said, “All in all, during the four years (two terms), four errant advocates were suspended for various periods, one errant advocate was struck off the Rolls of Advocates, and one application for striking off the Rolls of Advocates against an errant advocate is still pending a decision by the High Court.”
Tang elaborated that during the former IC’s first term, they had received and dealt with 36 new complaints up to June 16, 2017, some of which were multiple complaints against the same advocate.
“Complaints or misconduct were found proven against two errant advocates, one of whom was recommended to be struck off the Rolls on account of the severe gravity of the misconduct,” he said.
During the former IC’s second term, they had disposed of a total of 75 complaints, including those received during the first term.
Tang also explained that except for the president of AAS who is an ex-officio member, a member of the IC shall hold office for a term of not exceeding two years, and may not hold office for more than two consecutive terms.
Touching on the procedure for complaint submission, the former IC chairman remarked that under Rule 3, any complaint against an advocate shall be lodged with the secretary of the IC accompanied by a statutory declaration.
“Presently, the IC accepts complaints in letter form supported by documentary evidence and without statutory declaration and payment of any fees.
“This is to provide the public easier access to the IC and simplify the process of lodging complaints against errant advocates,” he stated.
Tang added that complainants can also call at the Bar Rooms which are located in the Court premises in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri to collect forms for lodging their complaints. These forms are currently
provided free of charge.
The rest of the new IC members are Gabriel Kok Chung Hian, Antonio Sim Peak Khiong, Wee Wui Kiat, Victor Lau Pik You, Paul Anyie Raja, Lo Ming Lh-Wuen, Tan Kee Heng, Yong Sie Mee, Sunny Si Poh Heng, Alvin Yong Sze Lung, Pamela Lau Pei Mai, and Louis Ng.
