KUALA LUMPUR – Youth groups are calling for a repeal of the four-sitting limit for the Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP) examinations.
In a joint statement, the groups pointed out that a large number of law graduates obtaining their degrees do so via the University of London International Programme in Malaysia.
“Even though they sit for their exams in Malaysia and their degree is from an overseas institution, they still take PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) loans to pay for their degree. Hence, the onus of the four attempts imposed on students is just strenuous and burdensome,” the joint statement said.
Furthermore, given the CLP is conducted purely via written examinations, the youths called for practical elements to be included in the assessments.
They urged for practical sessions to be included in the examination as a passing requirement for legal training, as well as including seminars and talks to develop all-rounded candidates with practical and theoretical knowledge.
It is acknowledged that the CLP examinations act as a gatekeeper to the legal profession, thus requiring candidates to undergo this rigorous test to ensure the quality of the profession.
However, the statement said, quality of the legal profession can only be ensured if the assessment is holistic – covering matters such as advocacy, drafting, negotiations, and communications.
“They already have their degrees, why crush their dreams by adding on their burden with a four-time cap on their exams? Hence, it is time to abolish the four-time attempts in CLP once and for all,” the group said.
Meanwhile, it is mentioned that total abolishment of the examination may do more harm than good as there would be a surplus of lawyers in the market.
“But we are here united to push forward for the abolishment of the four attempts of the CLP papers, and just allow for law graduates to continuously pursue a postgraduate course to practise as an advocate and solicitor in the nation.
“The passing cap of 25%-30% would not need to be removed if the four attempts are abolished to help ensure checks and balances in undergoing the course and the maintenance of its professional standards,” the joint statement reads.
The joint statement was prepared by Enlight Malaysia president M. Jay Raj and endorsed by Selangor Angkatan Muda Keadilan deputy chief Mohd Shaffeq Eqhan Shahrom, Liga Rakyat Demokratik Adam Adli Abdul Halim, former Universiti Malaya Student Union president Muhammad Haziq Azfar Ishak, lawyer Asheeq Ali and Gerakan Guaman Rakyat’s Michelle Ling Shyan Mih. – The Vibes, October 21, 2021
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