Lawyers, judges walk in solidarity to mark opening of legal year

Tengku Maimun leading the march to Kuching High Court complex.

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, Jan 17: Some 1,000 legal practitioners marched from the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex to the High Court Complex here to mark the opening of the new legal year for the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.

In conjunction with the opening of 2020 Legal Year, the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak launched three new innovative initiatives, notably the use of social media platform for the public to be closer with the judiciary institutions.

“Events, services, case information, info-graphics and other activities by the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak will be posted on the official social media platform,” it said at the event.

The High Court of Sabah and Sarawak will also introduce the Court Services and Public Information Centre (COSPIC) to provide one-stop information about the court to the public should the public would like to have self-representations.

Another initiative included the use of Artificial Intelligence for Data Sentencing Analysis, which would help judges and magistrates to analyse the appropriate sentencing to the accused.

“AI can help to reduce the sentencing gap to ensure equality and consistency.”

Group photo in front of the Kuching High Court. Seen from left are Asfia, Azahar, Rohana, Tengku Maimun, Wong, Tommy and Gerawat.

The theme for this year’s legal year is “Justice and Beyond”. The event that is held annually and rotated between Sarawak High Court and Sabah High Court.

Chief Justice Tan Sri Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Court of Appeal president Datuk Rohana Yusuf, Chief Judge of the High Court of Malaya Tan Sri Azahar Mohamed and Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri David Wong Dak Wah were among those participating in the march to celebrate the opening of legal year for the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.

Others included Attorney General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, Sarawak Attorney General Datuk Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid, Deputy Sabah Attorney General Datuk Nor Asiah Mohd Yusof, Sarawak DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Deputy Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala. — DayakDaily