Bar president Ezri Abdul Wahab said though the Bar “stands firm against unethical practices and dishonest acts by lawyers”, enforcement bodies cannot undermine legal professional privilege and the right to legal representation.

“These rights are cornerstones of a fair and just legal system, ensuring that individuals can seek and receive confidential legal advice without fear of reprisal or breach of confidentiality,” he said in a statement.

“By respecting these fundamental rights, enforcement bodies not only adhere to constitutional mandates but also reinforce the integrity and credibility of their investigative processes, ultimately contributing to the public’s trust in the legal and justice system.

“Any act that undermines these rights would be detrimental to the public.”

The statement comes after lawyers Lai Chee Hoe and Irwin Lo claimed they were investigated by MACC in their capacity as lawyers for a building’s management committee in a strata management case.

Lai, who said he was remanded by MACC for three days from June 6, claimed that he was told they were investigating a member of the management committee, and that he was detained because he represented the committee in its civil suit.

Lo said MACC recorded his statement on June 5 and asked him to provide several documents related to the case he was handling with Lai.

Ezri said if information or documents that are protected by legal professional privilege are sought, members of the Bar are obligated to refuse disclosure, unless their clients provide explicit written consent.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki denied the lawyers’ allegations and accused them of defaming the anti-graft body.

He said the investigation was into the management and maintenance accounts maintained by the committee and did not concern their capacity as lawyers for any client.

“This is not an issue of MACC interfering with the public’s rights to legal representation,” he said.