Kuala Lampur, Dec. 2 -- Legal professional privilege has rightly been described as "the cornerstone 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". (See the statement in a press release issued by Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab, President of the Malaysian Bar)

The privilege allows clients to speak openly with their lawyers and to disclose sensitive information in confidence, so that proper legal advice can be given.

If the privilege is eroded, public confidence in the justice system and the legal profession would inevitably deteriorate.

The fact that a request comes from an enforcement authority does not dilute or change the nat...