Veteran lawyer Chew Swee Yoke, pioneer of KL legal aid, passed away at 81
Veteran Malaysian lawyer Chew Swee Yoke, a pioneer in legal aid and a former member of Anwar Ibrahim's legal team, has passed away at 81. She was instrumental in establishing Kuala Lumpur's first Legal Aid Centre in 1982.
Why it matters
Chew's career significantly impacted access to justice and legal advocacy in Malaysia, marking the loss of a key figure in the nation's legal history.
KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran lawyer Chew Swee Yoke, who was instrumental in advancing legal aid in Malaysia and represented Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in proceedings stemming from his infamous black-eye incident, has passed away at 81.
Chew died on Aug 20, her daughter, celebrity chef and Bistro à Table owner Isadora Chai, announced in an Instagram post on Saturday (Aug 22).
Her five-decade legal career saw her take on several high-profile and sensitive cases, earning her a reputation as a respected advocate.
Among them was the legal proceedings arising from the black-eye incident involving Anwar while he was in custody, in which Chew was part of his legal team.
She also represented villagers from Kampung Bumi Hijau in their efforts to obtain a settlement over their land.
Born on Jan 26, 1945, Chew attended Victoria Institution before qualifying through Lincoln's Inn. She was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1970.
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