The new system, inspired by the UK bar training, will ensure all aspiring lawyers meet competency standards before practising, regardless of where they earned their degree, said deputy law and institutional reform minister M Kula Segaran.

“The CBC and Common Bar Examination (CBE) will be more comprehensive and improve the existing CLP system, bringing us on par with the Bar Training Course in the UK.

“The CBC will introduce practical training so law graduates are better prepared for real-world challenges. We want new lawyers to have strong skills in court procedures, advocacy and legal drafting.

“This isn’t just an exam change. It’s a step to make sure the public can trust the legal profession,” Kula said in response to a question on the CBC by S Kesavan (PH-Sungai Siput).

The CLP is currently required for anyone who studies law overseas and wishes to practise as a lawyer.

Kulasegaran said the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB), which accredits aspiring lawyers, agreed earlier this month to start a CBC curriculum committee that will look into the implications of the CBC and CBE on local and foreign law graduates.

“Among the aspects that need to be studied are the syllabus, curriculum and assessments; trainers, administration, management and the finances needed to implement this.

“As for a timeline, the LPQB and Bar Council are coming up with an implementation plan to make the CBC and CBE happen,” said Kula.

Established in 1984, the CLP was initially designed as a temporary solution for graduates from unrecognised law schools.

The CLP has long been criticised for focusing too much on theoretical knowledge, without testing practical skills needed in the legal field, with critics saying it lacks practical components such as advocacy, courtroom procedures and legal drafting.