Pro Bono Practices and Opportunities in Malaysia

Published on 15 May 2019 This is an overview of pro bono practices and opportunities in Malaysia, including key practice rules, culture, obstacles to undertaking pro bono and sources of pro bono opportunities.

The pro bono legal services in Malaysia are provided on a voluntary basis primarily through legal aid centers managed by the Malaysian Bar and various private sector initiatives and complement the wellestablished government-sponsored legal aid scheme. Although legal services in Malaysia have been liberalized to allow foreign lawyers to practice in Malaysia under limited circumstances, representation of pro bono clients in court proceedings are limited to advocates and solicitors qualified to practice in Malaysia. Members of the Malaysian Bar actively participate in pro bono work in the areas of human rights, criminal defense and public interest. Pupils are encouraged to participate in pro bono legal work during their legal training to instill a sense of social responsibility.