KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society has been informed by its members that a number of financial institutions in Sabah are compelling their panel law firms to adhere to strict timelines in the provision of legal services and the completion of tasks.
In a statement it’s president Roger Chin stated that Society notes that the Movement Control Order allows financial institutions, being essential services as defined, to operate during the period it is in place. However, many of businesses providing supporting services to financial institutions, including law firms, necessary for such financial institutions to operate, function and provide its services are required to close to ensure the general prohibition of mass movements and gatherings across the country.
“The Sabah Law Society urges banks and financial institutions not to impose unnecessary demands and instructions on their panel lawyers and to demonstrate understanding and compassion in light of the directive to close government and private premises especially where the National Security Council has also directed that the general administration other departments besides ATM and Online services of financial institutions have only minimum operations/work from home.”
Likewise, the Sabah Law Society also calls upon government departments to exercise consideration and sympathy if panel lawyers are unable to meet deadlines in submitting documents within the timelines prescribed under their respective legislations.
The Sabah Law Society urges government departments and Bank Negara Malaysia to take notice that some of the tasks involved in conveyancing practices will unavoidably delayed without the privilege of having the physical files and other facilities normally available. Insistence on meeting the usual deadlines at this critical time may be tantamount to encouraging legal firms and their staff to breach the restricted movement order. As such, the Sabah Law Society support the plea to government departments, Bank Negara Malaysia and all financial institutions to relax standard operating procedures requiring strict compliance with timelines whilst the Movement Control Order remains in force.
As soon as possible, the Sabah Law Society will engage the stakeholders including Inland Revenue Board, Lands & Surveys Department and the Sabah Commercial Banks Association to resolve the time discrepancies.
Only with mutual respect and co-operation from the whole nation and all its players within will Malaysia be able to overcome COVID-19 together.-pr/BNN
President
Sabah Law Society
