Its president, AG Kalidas Krishnan, said under the new ruling, any act of sexual harassment by an advocate and solicitor or a pupil in a professional capacity or a professional setting amounted to misconduct under Section 94(3) of the Legal Profession Act 1976.

“We believe that the implementation of the new rule represents a step in the right direction towards addressing sexual harassment in the legal profession,” he said.

Kalidas added that it was the responsibility of the Malaysian Bar to promote a safe and conducive environment in the legal profession, free from any form of discriminatory, indecent and untoward behaviour.

This followed a lawsuit filed by a 27-year-old lawyer against a legal firm and one of its partners, claiming she was sexually harassed when she was undergoing pupillage.

The Malaysian Bar also said it launched its Peer Support Network (PSN) starting today to address sexual harassment,

“Being sexually harassed is deeply debilitating for the survivors and becomes a major obstacle to a productive workplace and the ability of the affected individual to function to the best of his/her abilities.

“Focusing on the welfare of the survivors, the PSN will put in place the framework to deal with matters concerning sexual harassment for members of the Bar and pupils in chambers,” he said in a statement today.

According to Kalidas, designated officers and appointed case handlers would assist victims by providing the necessary guidance, advice and support.

“We also hope to expand our previous collaboration with the Board of Counsellors (Malaysia) in providing access to psychological help and support for these survivors,” he said.