The Bar also proposed to the National Security Council (MKN) and legal affairs division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU) that permission letters issued by firms be sufficient for lawyers travelling to their workplaces.

“It was also highlighted to MKN and BHEUU that the closure of law firms may prejudice clients’ rights, given that certain government departments and agencies are still operating and dealing with law firms in legal matters that are ongoing.

“We have been informed by BHEUU that the formulation of the SOP is a matter of national policy that requires the collective decision of the relevant authorities and ministries, specifically MKN,” it said in a circular to the legal fraternity.

It also proposed to maintain the current SOP in place for lawyers attending to criminal matters in court.

It told members who needed to attend to administrative matters to apply for permission from the police in the meantime.