Legal service must be affordable and not pose an obstacle for clients – Lee
KUALA LUMPUR: Exhorbitant! This was how Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye describes the possibility of legal fees rising by between 300 and 400 per cent in the coming months.
“Putting myself as a consumer looking forward to legal services frequently, it would be a very steep increase,” the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman told Bernama when contacted yesterday.
The social activist said that few could afford such an increase, adding that consumers should open up a public discussion on this issue.
“The Bar Council must justify what it means by workload, responsibilities and so on. At the same time, they should declare fees going to be charged are reasonable and justifiable,” he said.
Lee was commenting on a statement by council president Ragunath Kesavan that lawyers’ fees for court cases were expected to increase by between 300 per cent and 400 per cent this year due to increased responsibilities.
“Legal service must be an affordable criteria for a client and not pose an obstacle,” he said, adding that while the legal fraternity could have its own reason for quoting high fees, it should justify it and give a reasonable fee schedule.
He noted that there were various types of clients, adding that high fees were unlikely to affect wealthier clients or poor ones who could request for legal aid.
“…but it will affect the middle income group a lot. Many will be rendered helpless if this (higher rates) is implemented,” he added.
Fomca chief executive officer Datuk Paul Selva Raj said the proposed hike was too sharp, adding that quoting a high figure all of a sudden must also take into account the consumer’s welfare.
“Legal service must be affordable for clients and it’s not supposed to be an obstacle. Where is the justice when this kind of increase takes place? What is the point of having a legal system when people suffer while paying the fees?” he asked.
Syariah Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PGSM) Mohammad Isa Ralip said lawyers were under pressure due to their increasing workload.
“It is fair (increase) for lawyers who are handling heavy cases, and when workload increases, such as working late into the night and on weekends,” he said. — Bernama