After 17 years, Legal Board's RM20mil accounts finally face audit
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran acknowledged the lapse and confirmed that the audit was now underway.
"I admit that for 17 years, the LPQB's accounts were not audited. This is a serious matter.
"At the end of last year, we amended the Act to empower the Auditor General to carry out the audit. I have been informed that the process is in progress and all related matters will be made known soon," he said.
He was responding to concerns raised by Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN–Jerlun), who highlighted the board's trust accounts, which reportedly manage a fund worth RM20 million.
Kulasegaran also said that the Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP) would be revamped, and a new Common Bar Course (CBC) introduced.
"The CLP, which is currently entirely written-based, will be enhanced to include assessment components involving practical skills training such as criminal litigation, advocacy, and professional ethics," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
In response to a separate question from S. Kesavan (PH–Sungai Siput), Kulasegaran said further study was required into the syllabus, curriculum, assessment methods, course providers, trainers, and administrative and management structures.
He added that a committee and taskforce had been formed to examine the development of the CBC's curriculum and standards.
"The CBC taskforce will commence its study on Aug 1, with completion targeted within eight months, by March 31, 2026," he said.
Nation Feb 11, 2025 @ 10:53pm
Govt considers overhaul of Legal Profession Qualifying Board
Nation Apr 30, 2025 @ 4:54am
320 law graduates receive CLP at 28th convocation
Nation Feb 23, 2025 @ 10:19pm
Govt resolves 11,594 audit issues, 799 still under review
Nation Jul 23, 2025 @ 4:35am
PM orders ministers to rectify recurring audit issues
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia's 13MP projects to face strict monitoring for timely completion
PUTRAJAYA: Every project under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will undergo regular monitoring to prevent implementation delays, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy will jointly oversee progress, submitting reports twice a year. Shamsul Azri emphasised the importance of timely execution, stating, 'This time, we will really make sure that the 13MP is implemented as planned, because it spans a long period until 2030. 'All approved projects must be implemented promptly, because any delay will cause disappointment among the people.' He added that he would personally conduct site visits and surprise inspections. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted enhanced monitoring through the Policy Implementation Plan Monitoring System (PPD) during the 13MP tabling. Infrastructure projects, including flood mitigation and affordable housing, will be prioritised. A RM20 billion allocation will fund 103 flood mitigation projects, while one million affordable homes are targeted from 2026 to 2035. Shamsul Azri also commended the 12,000 participants of the MAPPA XX 2025 Run, promoting an active lifestyle. Public Service Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz and Communications Secretary-General Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa attended the event. - Bernama
Borneo Post
20 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Agrobank launches online account opening in Sabah
Arthur (second right) demonstrates Agrobank's new digital account opening system. Tengku Ahmad is at left. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): Agrobank has launched its online account opening service, marking a significant stride in its digital banking journey. The launch took place today at the Sabah International Convention Centre and was officiated by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup. Arthur commended the move, saying it would greatly benefit rural communities who previously had to travel long distances to open bank accounts. 'This digital initiative improves accessibility and is expected to increase digital account openings by 10 to 15 percent, especially in previously unreachable areas,' he said. He added that the streamlined process, which takes just around ten minutes, would reduce the bank's operating costs by up to 30 percent. Agrobank Chief Executive Officer Dato Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the digital system offers a faster, simpler and more user-friendly experience. Customers can now open a deposit account anytime, anywhere with just RM20, leveraging improved internet connectivity. 'This initiative also cuts down on paperwork and manual processing while expanding our reach beyond physical branches,' he said. 'It saves customers up to 75 percent of their time compared to traditional counter services, which usually take between 30 to 45 minutes.' Agrobank aims to register 1,500 new digital accounts within the next six months. The focus, he said, will be on underserved groups including youth, farmers and those with limited access to banking facilities. To address internet connectivity issues in remote areas, Agrobank has also introduced AgroTouch — a mobile account opening system using iPads connected via Starlink satellite technology. 'This mobile approach ensures inclusivity and personal service. Our staff will go directly to rural communities with the necessary equipment to assist customers in opening accounts,' said Tengku Ahmad. Customers can also access this service at Agrobank branches. The initiative supports Malaysia's broader digital transformation agenda by boosting financial inclusion, especially in the agriculture and food security sectors. Tengku Ahmad reaffirmed Agrobank's commitment to enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency for all Malaysians, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas. Agrobank has also officially launched the Takaful Kasih Plus Merdeka Edition Campaign, which will run from August 1 until September 30. Tengku Ahmad said in conjunction with Independence Month, they also launched the Takaful Kasih Plus Merdeka Edition Card, which features a special design with official Malaysian visual elements and is characterized by patriotic spirit. 'The specialty of this special edition card lies in the comprehensive coverage offered at a reasonable and affordable price. 'Customers will receive additional benefits such as for injuries due to grazing and ambulance charges, with a minimum takaful contribution of RM108 per year,' he said. Tengku Ahmad added that the Takaful Kasih Plus Merdeka Edition Campaign also increases customers' chances to win attractive rewards through the ongoing Mega Million 2.0 Campaign, where 100 lucky customers stand a chance to win a portion of RM250,000 in cash. Furthermore, by subscribing to Takaful Kasih Plus Merdeka Edition and combining it with AgroPrimaS deposit products under the Mega Million 2.0 Campaign, customers will receive additional participation points, which increase their chances of winning the monthly draw of a car or the grand prize of a Ford Ranger Raptor. In conjunction with the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, customers who subscribe to the Takaful Kasih Plus Merdeka Edition Card have the opportunity to win attractive prizes through lucky draws on August 2 and 3. More information can be found at or by visiting the nearest Agrobank branch.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Brunei enforces key provisions of Competition Act
FILE PHOTO: A shopper choosing canned goods in Brunei in 2019. The Competition Act aims to promote economic efficiency, economic development and consumer welfare. - Sin Chew/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam (CCBD) has announced the enforcement of Section 21 and Section 23 of the Competition Act, which relate to the prohibitions of abuse of dominant position and anti-competitive mergers. The Competition Act is an Act to promote and protect competition in markets in Brunei. It also aims to promote economic efficiency, economic development and consumer welfare. These objectives are central to fostering a pro-business environment and a resilient economy, and are aligned with the broader aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, which envisions a dynamic and sustainable economy that offers a high quality of life for all. Section 21 of the Act prohibits conduct by dominant businesses that restricts competition, such as predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, or other behaviour that exploits market power to limit competition or reduce consumer choice. Section 23, on the other hand, prohibits mergers that result in, or are likely to result in, a substantial lessening of competition, particularly those that create or strengthen a dominant position in the market, which may lead to higher prices or reduced innovation. The enforcement of these two provisions builds on the earlier implementation of Section 11 of the Act, which came into force on January 1, 2020. Section 11 prohibits anti-competitive agreements, including price-fixing, bid-rigging, market sharing and limiting supply. With the enforcement of Sections 21 and 23, the core pillars of the Competition Act are now fully in effect. The CCBD encourages businesses to review their commercial practices and ensure compliance with the Competition Act. Fostering a culture of fair competition not only benefits consumers, but also drives innovation and productivity among businesses, contributing meaningfully to national economic progress. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
