LEGAL AID WORKSHOP

Theme: LEGAL AID – THE NEXT GENERATION

Thirty lawyers and pupils participated in a one-day Legal Aid workshop themed Legal Aid-The Next Generation held on 09.12.11 at the Perak Bar Conference Room.

In his opening address N.P Ramachandran, the Deputy-Chair reminded the participants of the importance of being volunteers as it is literally impossible to imagine a social justice landscape without the services that the legal aid provides.

The first topic was History of Legal Aid In Malaysia where Mr. Ram , the EO for Perak Bar Legal Aid Centre spoke on the origins of Legal Aid in Malaysia and how it evolved to where it is now. He mentioned about the sacrifices and hardwork of our predecessors in the hope that it will encourage the next generation to carry on.

This was followed by the next speaker En. Syamshul Hizri who presented his topic entitled The future of Legal Aid In Malaysia. The participants were awed by his topic as he highlighted the need to include animal-rights/welfare, to complement human-rights, as an extension of legal aid work.

The program resumed after morning-break with the next speaker Balakrishna Balaravi who conducted his topic on the Extension of Legal Aid Work. His method was very innovative as he began with an ice-breaker session to loosen-up the participants. Soon everyone was ready to perceive his ideas and values.

The fourth topic How to Attract Volunteers Laywers was conducted by Nurul Jannah Khairul Anuar. She suggested several time-tested methods in luring volunteers with the same goal, much to everyone’s excitement ie remuneration.

The workshop resumed after lunch where the participants were formed into four groups, each with its own tagline viz ‘Thunder cats, 1 Malaysia, LAC Superheroes and Red. They were requested to submit resolutions based on the 3 major topics of the day.

This was later followed by summary presentations by each group. Laughter and jest followed as each group made its way to the fore to present their resolutions. (The groups’ resolutions, speakers key-notes and attendance list can be viewed at the centre – for photos kindly visit our facebook Perak Legal Aid Centre).

Later, Mr. Ram also announced news of the opening of our new Legal Aid Clinic in Sungei Siput (date TBC) and managed to get 11 lawyers and pupils sign up for this bi-monthly clinic. The Workshop ended with presentation of token of appreciation to the speakers and Certificate of Attendance to all participants. Mr. Ram thanked everyone for their participation and making the workshop a huge success. Special thanks was also conveyed to a participant from Penang Bar. Everyone left shortly after tea-time.

Presented by:

M. Gokoolaram Naidu