KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 – UMNO Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is puzzled by the difficulties faced by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) in obtaining full recognition for its legal degree from the Malaysian Legal Profession Qualification Board (LKPU) chaired by the Attorney General.
He said not to mention various feedback and compliance by USIM on various suggestions, conditions and additional criteria imposed by LKPU.
“This situation makes it difficult for graduates to plan their future, especially for those who wish to practice in the field of law. If all this is bureaucratic, then all the difficulties and delays due to this process are persecution of the children of our nation and therefore must be resolved immediately.
“On the other hand, if this issue is not due to bureaucratic delays, the impression is that the Legal Profession Qualification Board seems to have a hidden agenda,” he said in a statement.
Mohamad, who is also the former Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan said this when commenting on a report that USIM had not yet received full LKPU recognition.
He said, without full qualification, USIM law graduates cannot be accepted as lawyers and advocates and practice law in Malaysian courts.
He added that the process of offering academic programs in public institutions of higher learning institution is strictly regulated by the University Senate, the University Board of Directors, the Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
Similarly, it is clear that programs such as law, before being implemented must go through various regulatory processes, including the establishment of a ‘Board of Studies’ which consists of experts in various specialized areas of expertise.
“I have a very high regard for the group of Malaysian legal practitioners and many of them who are leading in the field of law are also my friends. They really prioritize integrity and quality that is ‘impeachable’ standard.
“Therefore, in order to maintain the good name and superior reputation of the Malaysian Legal Profession Qualifications Board, I call for an immediate solution to this issue,” he added.
