KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 – As Malaysia prepares to take over the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, the country should advocate for a more inclusive and open approach to the region’s legal profession, says a special counsel based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Dave Ananth from Stace Hammond Lawyers, said by dismantling barriers to entry for foreign lawyers and fostering greater collaboration within the legal community, ASEAN can unlock fresh avenues for growth, innovation and cooperation.
“The call for openness and collaboration in ASEAN’s legal sector sets the stage for a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.
“As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship, it stands poised to lead the region towards a dynamic and globally integrated legal landscape that serves the interests of all member states,” he told Bernama when commenting on significant reforms Malaysia should bring as the ASEAN chair next year.
He said the key focus of Malaysia’s initiatives should be to liberalise the legal sector, to facilitate the entry of foreign firms into ASEAN markets, as this can amplify bilateral trade and cultivate cross-border legal expertise, benefitting both local and foreign practitioners.
However, Dave who is the founder and president of New Zealand Malaysia Business Association, acknowledges the challenges posed by existing restrictions on foreign lawyers practising in Malaysia.
He points out that the restrictions, rooted in regulatory hurdles, hinder the exchange of legal expertise and stifle the emergence of a dynamic, globally integrated legal ecosystem.
Foreign lawyers currently face restrictions under Malaysia’s Legal Profession Act 1976, which requires them to partner up with local firms to practise domestic law.
