I WELCOME recent moves by the Government to enhance the legal profession in Singapore.

Law Minister K. Shanmugam announced last Friday new moves which would enable more Singaporean law graduates from foreign universities to be fully certified and prepared before they are admitted to the Bar.

I also welcome the latest moves to allow law graduates from approved foreign universities with second-lower honours degrees to practise.

This will definitely benefit smaller law firms which find it hard to hire high-fliers and top graduates.

However, I hope the ministry will ensure that all new graduates are subject to rigorous checks regarding their areas of specialisation and interest, and specify whether they have any links with interested individuals in their area of work.

Cases of rogue lawyers who absconded with their clients' money or conspired with third parties to cheat their clients are a reminder to lawyers to uphold professional standards, maintain a neutral stand and protect their clients' interests at all times.

Lawyers could also be more approachable and accessible to the public, regardless of one's financial or social status.

Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan
Haji Sahban

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