Following from the invitation by the KLBC, the candidates below have submitted their election profile. Members may pose questions or queries to the respective candidates on issues of concern or interest but all comments will be subject to the terms of use of this Blog.
The candidates may respond but are not obliged to do so. It is hoped this mechanism will promote awareness and a better understanding of the candidates in the lead-up to the Annual General Meeting on 26 February 2009. The Annual Report can be viewed online here.
Candidates who wish to submit their election profile for publication on the KL Bar Blog can still email it to klbc@klbar.org.my.
ANAND PONNUDURAI
I was called to the Bar in 1991 and have been in active practice since.
I have been a member of the KL Bar Committee since 2004 and was its Honorary Secretary for 2007/2008.
I have always been active in the Bar’s activities and I have been the Deputy Chairman of the Bar Council’s Industrial Court Practice Committee for the past few years.
Having served the KL Bar Committee these past years under 3 different Chairmen, I have seen the tremendous progress of the KL Bar vis-Ã -vis towards the betterment of the KL Bar, its members and the important role it plays in the administration of the judicial system. This has been especially so over the last 2 years with the opening of the Jalan Duta Court Complex and the numerous problems encountered, which, in my view, has been mostly dealt with by the Committee. There has also been an improvement in the Committee’s relationship with the Judiciary whereby the Committee is now often called upon for our views and or discussions before implementation of any ‘projects’ which affects the administration of justice and I hope this continues.
In the coming term, I foresee other issues that will inevitably crop up especially in light of the newly introduced ‘tracking’ system and am offering myself for the position of Chairman so as to continue looking after the best interests of KL Bar members.
Anand Ponnudurai
COLIN ANDREW PEREIRA
Dear members of the KL Bar,
I am offering myself as a candidate for chair of the Kuala Lumpur Bar.
I have previously served on the KL Bar Committee for 5 years under 4 different chairmen, namely Zainuddin Ismail, Ragunath Kesavan, Jerald Gomez and Lim Chee Wee.
I have served the Bar in the following capacities:
(i) 2007 to 2009: Deputy Chair of Professional Standards and Development Committee, Bar Council;
(ii) 2006 to 2007: Chair, Continuing Legal Education Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(iii) 2004 to 2005: Chair, Social and Pupils Welfare Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(iv) 2003 to 2004: Chair, Social Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(v) 2002 to 2003: Chair, Social Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(vi) 2001 to 2002; Chair, Social Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
I offer myself as a candidate as I believe that the last few years have provided me with the necessary experience to lead the KL Bar.
If elected, I propose to:
(i) ENHANCE the current professional development programme to include more seminars on specialized areas of the law as well as practical workshops and, to draw on the resources of other professional bodies;
(ii) ESTABLISH a Practice Management Committee to assist members in matters relating to insurance coverage and risk management, business development and planning, as well to assist members intending to set up their own legal practice;
(iii) ESTABLISH an ad hoc committee on the new tracking system in the courts, to engage the members and to provide the necessary feedback to the judiciary on the problems faced by members and on how the system can be improved.
I believe that the Bar is facing challenging times and needs a strong and united leadership. As the largest state Bar we must be in the forefront in dealing with these challenges. I ask for your support based on my track record of service to the Bar. I ask for your support for the ideas that I have for our Bar. It would be a privilege to serve as your chair.
Colin Andrew Pereira
PUSHPA RATNAM
My name is Pushpa Ratnam and I intend to offer my services at the KL Bar this year.
I was called to the English Bar in the early 90's. Having worked in UK from 1988 in the Judicial Services, I returned to Malaysia in 1993 and was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1994. During my practice I took two years off to work with an NGO on women's rights.
Since 2001, I have been an active volunteer at the KL Legal Aid Centre participating in their Management Panel till 2006. During the 8 years, i have worked with its Skills Committee.
Since 2005, I have also served the Bar Council Family Law Committee and since 2007 the Human Rights Committee.
I have the energy, enthusiasm and ideas to serve the KL Bar and hope to work towards the betterment of the KL Bar and its members. I would consider myself a diligent and friendly person and am certain that I would be able to contribute in many ways in the committee.
Please do shoot away with your concerns and I hope to answer you as best as I can.
Pushpa Ratnam (PR)
RICHARD WEE
Name : Richard Wee
Firm : Messrs Richard Wee Lopez
Called to the Bar : Sept 1999
KL Bar:-
2005 - 07 : Chairperson of Young Lawyers Committee
2007 - 08 : Chairperson of Pupils Welfare Committee
2008 - 09 : Chairperson of Information Technology Committee
Bar Council :-
2005 - 2009 : Member of NYLC, (Deputy in 2006-07)
2005 & 2007 : Organising Committee Malaysian Law Conference 2005 & 2007
2008 : Chairperson of Social Activities of LAWASIA Conference 2008
2007 - 08 : Member of Anti No Fault Liability task force
2007 - 09 : Member of BC Human Rights Comm, in charge of the Redbook Project
I wish to continue serving KL Bar. I hope members will consider my track record in the KL Bar and the Bar Council for the last 4 years.
Thank you.
Richard Wee
H R DIPENDRA
I will offer myself to stand as a candidate for election as a committee member to the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee (KLBC) for the term 2009/2010. I was called to the Bar in 2000 and have been in continuous practice since.
I have been a KLBC committee member since 2007 and have been actively serving the Kuala Lumpur Bar since 2005 in the following capacities:
2005
(1) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Court Liaison Committee;
(2) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
2006
(1) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Court Liaison Committee;
(2) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
2007
(1) Chair – Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
(2) Committee member – Kuala Lumpur Pupils Welfare Committee;
2008
(1) Chair – Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
(2) Committee member – Kuala Lumpur Publications Committee;
In addition to the above, I have also served/represented the Malaysian Bar in the following capacity:
(1) Represented the Malaysian Bar and the Kuala Lumpur Bar in hockey;
(2) Member of the organizing team of the 14th Malaysian Law Conference (2007) and the 21st LawAsia Conference (2008);
(3) Deputy Chair, National Young Lawyers Committee since 2007;
(4) Head, Media Defense and Freedom of Expression Working Group of the Human Rights Committee,
My reason for offering myself as a candidate for a 3rd term is premised on ensuring KL Bar remains relevant in ensuring the needs of KL lawyers are taken care off. I would also like to ensure that KL Bar reaches out to as many members as possible in relation to the practice issues faced by them.
H R Dipendra
REGGIE WONG MEW SUM
Being a co-opted member of the Kuala Lumpur Bar for the term 2008/2009 and heading the Pupils’ Welfare Committee had certainly been an eye opener for me. There was much to do, looking into the teething problems of pupillage, addressing complaints from both pupils and masters, ensuring smooth Long Call procedures as well as organising Civil and Criminal Workshops for pupils. It has been a fruitful and fulfilling year for me. I wish to continue to serve the Bar for another term and hope to have your support.
Reggie Wong Mew Sum
SAHA DEVA ARUNASALAM
contributed by Roger Chan Weng Keng & Seira Sacha Bt Abu Bakar
It is indeed our pleasure to nominate Saha Deva Arunasalam as a candidate for election to the KL Bar Committee. Saha Deva has been in active practice for more than eleven years. He now practices under the style of SAHA & ASSOCIATES in Kuala Lumpur.
Having completed his legal studies in 1992 he was actively involved in the corporate sector prior to venturing into private practice in 1997.
He is actively involved in environmental issues to ensure the world is a safe and healthier place for everybody to live in. In this respect, Saha plays a vital role, through the Regional Programme On Management of Sustainability (RPMS), an international environmental initiative spearheaded by the Government of Netherlands, in engaging various stakeholders which includes environmental organizations, governments and NGOs worldwide on sustainable engagement with the enviornment. It naturally follows that environmental research programs is another facet of Saha’s involvement as an environment-advocate.
Saha is also a defender of human rights. He has been very active in the cause of the urban poor where he assists the underprivileged with matters relating to their land. Presently, he sits as a member of the Urban Poor Task Force (Land and Housing) set up by the Selangor State Government working in collaboration with various NGOs and the Bar. He is also counsel to the poor who have been served eviction notices under the Emergency Ordinance.
Helping the poor and ensuring our environment is protected is not only Saha’s forte. He is also actively involved in police abuse cases such as the infamous Bandar Mahkota Cheras incident (the latest being a member of the legal team to assist family members of A Kugan who died while in police custody).
His forays in human rights saw him being part of the Monitoring as well as Urgent Arrest Team on matters relating both to Freedom of Assembly and Media Freedom. Saha is also a strong proponent for the abolishment of the ISA.
Saha also co-chairs the Education and Training Working Group of the Bar Council Human Rights Committee. Within this working group, Saha has organised training and workshops relating to human rights issues. The successful human rights training held in July last year is testament to Saha’s dedication to educate the public and fellow lawyers on the importance of human rights.
Saha has an obliging and friendly disposition with an eagerness to come to the aid of a fellow member of the Bar.
My fellow colleagues and I in the Bar believe that Saha’s vast and diverse experience in many issues coupled with his disposition will bring new dynamism into the committee.
We recommend him for your consideration.
Proposer: Roger Chan Weng Keng
Seconder: Seira Sacha Bt Abu Bakar
LAI CHEE HOE
2005 – Young Lawyers Committee – Committee member
2006 – Young Lawyers Committee – Chair for External Liaison Sub-committee
2007 – Young Lawyers Committee – Chair for External Liaison Sub-Committee
2008 – Social, Arts and Culture Committee - Chairperson
I was offered an opportunity to serve the KLBC last year. That was my 1st year serving on the KLBC and I wish to continue to serve the KL Bar for another year.
Lai Chee Hoe
N. SIVANANTHAN
I was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1992 having qualified as a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn, London in 1991. I was also admitted to the Singapore Bar in 2001.
I have been in active practice since 1992 in the area of criminal law and was the Deputy Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Bar Criminal Practice Committee in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, I was elected to the Main Committee and have served as Chairman of the Criminal Practice Committee since.
I am also an elected Council Member of the International Criminal Bar and a Counsel of the International Criminal Court.
Over the years, a good working relationship has been established with all the stakeholders of the Criminal Justice System in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and I hope to continue to develop this relationship to ensure that the rule of law is constantly upheld and that lawyers are able to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
I am therefore offering myself as a candidate for Committee Member of the KLBC for the year 2009/2010.
N. Sivananthan
BRENDAN NAVIN SIVA
Brendan is a B.Ec / LLB graduate of the University of Sydney, Australia. He was called to the Malaysian Bar in February 1999. Through the period from February 1999 to March 2002, Brendan served as a Legal Assistant in Messrs Lee Hishammuddin. He has been at Messrs Kadir, Andri & Partners since 2 April 2002 and was admitted as a partner in 2005.
Brendan is the Honorary Secretary of the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee for 2008/9. Brendan is also an elected member of the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee for 2007/8 and 2008/2009, the Chairman of the KL Bar Publications Sub-Committee (2007/8) and the Chairman of the KL Bar Corporate & Conveyancing Sub-Committee (2008/9). Brendan is also a member of the Human Rights Committee, Bar Council and the Head of the Publications Working Group of the Human Rights Committee, Bar Council for 2007-2008.
Brendan intends to seek election for the position of Kuala Lumpur Representative to the Bar Council at the AGM on 26th February 2009.
The candidates may respond but are not obliged to do so. It is hoped this mechanism will promote awareness and a better understanding of the candidates in the lead-up to the Annual General Meeting on 26 February 2009. The Annual Report can be viewed online here.
Candidates who wish to submit their election profile for publication on the KL Bar Blog can still email it to klbc@klbar.org.my.
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE KUALA LUMPUR BAR
ANAND PONNUDURAI
I was called to the Bar in 1991 and have been in active practice since. I have been a member of the KL Bar Committee since 2004 and was its Honorary Secretary for 2007/2008.
I have always been active in the Bar’s activities and I have been the Deputy Chairman of the Bar Council’s Industrial Court Practice Committee for the past few years.
Having served the KL Bar Committee these past years under 3 different Chairmen, I have seen the tremendous progress of the KL Bar vis-Ã -vis towards the betterment of the KL Bar, its members and the important role it plays in the administration of the judicial system. This has been especially so over the last 2 years with the opening of the Jalan Duta Court Complex and the numerous problems encountered, which, in my view, has been mostly dealt with by the Committee. There has also been an improvement in the Committee’s relationship with the Judiciary whereby the Committee is now often called upon for our views and or discussions before implementation of any ‘projects’ which affects the administration of justice and I hope this continues.
In the coming term, I foresee other issues that will inevitably crop up especially in light of the newly introduced ‘tracking’ system and am offering myself for the position of Chairman so as to continue looking after the best interests of KL Bar members.
Anand Ponnudurai
COLIN ANDREW PEREIRA
Dear members of the KL Bar,I am offering myself as a candidate for chair of the Kuala Lumpur Bar.
I have previously served on the KL Bar Committee for 5 years under 4 different chairmen, namely Zainuddin Ismail, Ragunath Kesavan, Jerald Gomez and Lim Chee Wee.
I have served the Bar in the following capacities:
(i) 2007 to 2009: Deputy Chair of Professional Standards and Development Committee, Bar Council;
(ii) 2006 to 2007: Chair, Continuing Legal Education Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(iii) 2004 to 2005: Chair, Social and Pupils Welfare Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(iv) 2003 to 2004: Chair, Social Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(v) 2002 to 2003: Chair, Social Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
(vi) 2001 to 2002; Chair, Social Committee, Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee;
I offer myself as a candidate as I believe that the last few years have provided me with the necessary experience to lead the KL Bar.
If elected, I propose to:
(i) ENHANCE the current professional development programme to include more seminars on specialized areas of the law as well as practical workshops and, to draw on the resources of other professional bodies;
(ii) ESTABLISH a Practice Management Committee to assist members in matters relating to insurance coverage and risk management, business development and planning, as well to assist members intending to set up their own legal practice;
(iii) ESTABLISH an ad hoc committee on the new tracking system in the courts, to engage the members and to provide the necessary feedback to the judiciary on the problems faced by members and on how the system can be improved.
I believe that the Bar is facing challenging times and needs a strong and united leadership. As the largest state Bar we must be in the forefront in dealing with these challenges. I ask for your support based on my track record of service to the Bar. I ask for your support for the ideas that I have for our Bar. It would be a privilege to serve as your chair.
Colin Andrew Pereira
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS A COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE KUALA LUMPUR BAR
PUSHPA RATNAM
My name is Pushpa Ratnam and I intend to offer my services at the KL Bar this year.I was called to the English Bar in the early 90's. Having worked in UK from 1988 in the Judicial Services, I returned to Malaysia in 1993 and was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1994. During my practice I took two years off to work with an NGO on women's rights.
Since 2001, I have been an active volunteer at the KL Legal Aid Centre participating in their Management Panel till 2006. During the 8 years, i have worked with its Skills Committee.
Since 2005, I have also served the Bar Council Family Law Committee and since 2007 the Human Rights Committee.
I have the energy, enthusiasm and ideas to serve the KL Bar and hope to work towards the betterment of the KL Bar and its members. I would consider myself a diligent and friendly person and am certain that I would be able to contribute in many ways in the committee.
Please do shoot away with your concerns and I hope to answer you as best as I can.
Pushpa Ratnam (PR)
RICHARD WEE
Name : Richard WeeFirm : Messrs Richard Wee Lopez
Called to the Bar : Sept 1999
KL Bar:-
2005 - 07 : Chairperson of Young Lawyers Committee
2007 - 08 : Chairperson of Pupils Welfare Committee
2008 - 09 : Chairperson of Information Technology Committee
Bar Council :-
2005 - 2009 : Member of NYLC, (Deputy in 2006-07)
2005 & 2007 : Organising Committee Malaysian Law Conference 2005 & 2007
2008 : Chairperson of Social Activities of LAWASIA Conference 2008
2007 - 08 : Member of Anti No Fault Liability task force
2007 - 09 : Member of BC Human Rights Comm, in charge of the Redbook Project
I wish to continue serving KL Bar. I hope members will consider my track record in the KL Bar and the Bar Council for the last 4 years.
Thank you.
Richard Wee
H R DIPENDRA
I will offer myself to stand as a candidate for election as a committee member to the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee (KLBC) for the term 2009/2010. I was called to the Bar in 2000 and have been in continuous practice since.I have been a KLBC committee member since 2007 and have been actively serving the Kuala Lumpur Bar since 2005 in the following capacities:
2005
(1) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Court Liaison Committee;
(2) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
2006
(1) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Court Liaison Committee;
(2) Committee member, Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
2007
(1) Chair – Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
(2) Committee member – Kuala Lumpur Pupils Welfare Committee;
2008
(1) Chair – Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee;
(2) Committee member – Kuala Lumpur Publications Committee;
In addition to the above, I have also served/represented the Malaysian Bar in the following capacity:
(1) Represented the Malaysian Bar and the Kuala Lumpur Bar in hockey;
(2) Member of the organizing team of the 14th Malaysian Law Conference (2007) and the 21st LawAsia Conference (2008);
(3) Deputy Chair, National Young Lawyers Committee since 2007;
(4) Head, Media Defense and Freedom of Expression Working Group of the Human Rights Committee,
My reason for offering myself as a candidate for a 3rd term is premised on ensuring KL Bar remains relevant in ensuring the needs of KL lawyers are taken care off. I would also like to ensure that KL Bar reaches out to as many members as possible in relation to the practice issues faced by them.
H R Dipendra
REGGIE WONG MEW SUM
Being a co-opted member of the Kuala Lumpur Bar for the term 2008/2009 and heading the Pupils’ Welfare Committee had certainly been an eye opener for me. There was much to do, looking into the teething problems of pupillage, addressing complaints from both pupils and masters, ensuring smooth Long Call procedures as well as organising Civil and Criminal Workshops for pupils. It has been a fruitful and fulfilling year for me. I wish to continue to serve the Bar for another term and hope to have your support. Reggie Wong Mew Sum
SAHA DEVA ARUNASALAM
contributed by Roger Chan Weng Keng & Seira Sacha Bt Abu Bakar
It is indeed our pleasure to nominate Saha Deva Arunasalam as a candidate for election to the KL Bar Committee. Saha Deva has been in active practice for more than eleven years. He now practices under the style of SAHA & ASSOCIATES in Kuala Lumpur.Having completed his legal studies in 1992 he was actively involved in the corporate sector prior to venturing into private practice in 1997.
He is actively involved in environmental issues to ensure the world is a safe and healthier place for everybody to live in. In this respect, Saha plays a vital role, through the Regional Programme On Management of Sustainability (RPMS), an international environmental initiative spearheaded by the Government of Netherlands, in engaging various stakeholders which includes environmental organizations, governments and NGOs worldwide on sustainable engagement with the enviornment. It naturally follows that environmental research programs is another facet of Saha’s involvement as an environment-advocate.
Saha is also a defender of human rights. He has been very active in the cause of the urban poor where he assists the underprivileged with matters relating to their land. Presently, he sits as a member of the Urban Poor Task Force (Land and Housing) set up by the Selangor State Government working in collaboration with various NGOs and the Bar. He is also counsel to the poor who have been served eviction notices under the Emergency Ordinance.
Helping the poor and ensuring our environment is protected is not only Saha’s forte. He is also actively involved in police abuse cases such as the infamous Bandar Mahkota Cheras incident (the latest being a member of the legal team to assist family members of A Kugan who died while in police custody).
His forays in human rights saw him being part of the Monitoring as well as Urgent Arrest Team on matters relating both to Freedom of Assembly and Media Freedom. Saha is also a strong proponent for the abolishment of the ISA.
Saha also co-chairs the Education and Training Working Group of the Bar Council Human Rights Committee. Within this working group, Saha has organised training and workshops relating to human rights issues. The successful human rights training held in July last year is testament to Saha’s dedication to educate the public and fellow lawyers on the importance of human rights.
Saha has an obliging and friendly disposition with an eagerness to come to the aid of a fellow member of the Bar.
My fellow colleagues and I in the Bar believe that Saha’s vast and diverse experience in many issues coupled with his disposition will bring new dynamism into the committee.
We recommend him for your consideration.
Proposer: Roger Chan Weng Keng
Seconder: Seira Sacha Bt Abu Bakar
LAI CHEE HOE
2005 – Young Lawyers Committee – Committee member2006 – Young Lawyers Committee – Chair for External Liaison Sub-committee
2007 – Young Lawyers Committee – Chair for External Liaison Sub-Committee
2008 – Social, Arts and Culture Committee - Chairperson
I was offered an opportunity to serve the KLBC last year. That was my 1st year serving on the KLBC and I wish to continue to serve the KL Bar for another year.
Lai Chee Hoe
N. SIVANANTHAN
I was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1992 having qualified as a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn, London in 1991. I was also admitted to the Singapore Bar in 2001.I have been in active practice since 1992 in the area of criminal law and was the Deputy Chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Bar Criminal Practice Committee in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, I was elected to the Main Committee and have served as Chairman of the Criminal Practice Committee since.
I am also an elected Council Member of the International Criminal Bar and a Counsel of the International Criminal Court.
Over the years, a good working relationship has been established with all the stakeholders of the Criminal Justice System in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and I hope to continue to develop this relationship to ensure that the rule of law is constantly upheld and that lawyers are able to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
I am therefore offering myself as a candidate for Committee Member of the KLBC for the year 2009/2010.
N. Sivananthan
CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION AS KUALA LUMPUR BAR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BAR COUNCIL
BRENDAN NAVIN SIVA
Brendan is a B.Ec / LLB graduate of the University of Sydney, Australia. He was called to the Malaysian Bar in February 1999. Through the period from February 1999 to March 2002, Brendan served as a Legal Assistant in Messrs Lee Hishammuddin. He has been at Messrs Kadir, Andri & Partners since 2 April 2002 and was admitted as a partner in 2005. Brendan is the Honorary Secretary of the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee for 2008/9. Brendan is also an elected member of the Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee for 2007/8 and 2008/2009, the Chairman of the KL Bar Publications Sub-Committee (2007/8) and the Chairman of the KL Bar Corporate & Conveyancing Sub-Committee (2008/9). Brendan is also a member of the Human Rights Committee, Bar Council and the Head of the Publications Working Group of the Human Rights Committee, Bar Council for 2007-2008.
Brendan intends to seek election for the position of Kuala Lumpur Representative to the Bar Council at the AGM on 26th February 2009.