KUCHING: The Inns Of Court Malaysia (ICM) initiative, based on models in Britain and the United States but with a Malaysian touch, can be a catalyst for the transformation of the country's legal field.

Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof said that ICM exposes and mobilises professionals from across the legal spectrum, especially students in nurturing high-caliber legal professional skills.

"Soon, with ICM at the forefront, we will see Malaysian barristers who are born in the country, even if not 'King's Counsel', trained to be experts and competent in the law, both procedural and substantive

"This will also enable them to have the confidence, grace and fine social skills to thrive in any environment and ultimately more outstanding Malaysian individuals will be recognised as 'Benchers'," he said.

He said this when speaking at the ICM Dinner in conjunction with the inaugural 'Bencher' Awarding Ceremony of the Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on Saturday.

He added that this effort will further strengthen Malaysia's position in developing its own jurisprudence that is relevant to local conditions.

In addition, Dato Sri Fadillah also stressed that there is no need for blind adherence to foreign precedents that can undermine justice and have adverse effects on the litigants.

"We also have our own economic dynamics, social structures and local challenges that require local solutions.
"Let Malaysian jurisprudence develop confidently, rooted in our unique identity, so that one day it will become a respected reference throughout the Commonwealth," he said.

Also present were the wife of the Sarawak Governor Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, ICM Advisor Tun Dato Seri Zaki Tun Azmi, ICM President Tun Ariffin Zakaria, Chief Justice of the State Dato Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, Speaker of the Senate Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan, President of the Court of Appeal Dato Abu Bakar Jais, Chief Justice of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Dato Mohammad Hashim, Chief Justice of Sarawak and Sabah Datuk Azizah Nawawi and other dignitaries. -UKASnews