Don’t attack policemen’s lawyer in Shuhaily assault case, says Hassan
Malaysian MP Hassan Karim has publicly defended a lawyer facing social media backlash for representing a police officer accused of assault. He urged the Malaysian Bar to protect the legal profession's integrity and the right to counsel.
Why it matters
The case highlights tensions regarding the right to legal representation and the impact of social media trial-by-public-opinion on the judicial process.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim urged the Malaysian Bar to defend lawyers who were unfairly attacked on social media.
PETALING JAYA: Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim has urged the public to stop attacking the lawyer for two Special Branch police officers in the assault case involving Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) chief Shuhaily Zain.
“The work of lawyer Kamal Hisham should be respected. Everyone, including those accused of serious crimes, has the right to legal representation,” he said in a statement.
He questioned why Kamal was being attacked on social media, with his personal background and past cases being brought up as if to portray him as lacking competence and integrity.
Hassan, who is also a lawyer, said he had represented Kamal in a high-profile case involving Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar about 11 years ago.
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