Four thousand young lawyers in Kuala Lumpur demanded that the government makes its stand clear on a discriminatory provision which bars them from contesting in the Bar Council elections.

They were responding to a parliamentary reply from Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M Kayveas (left) stating that section 46A of the Legal Profession Act (LPA) will not be abolished.

Kayveas - whose statement contradicted that of his superior Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz - added that this was to ensure that the Bar Council is free of any political influence and prevent conflict of interests.

He was responding to a question from opposition leader and senior lawyer Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor).

What about us?

However, KL Bar's Young Lawyer's Committee head Richard Wee demanded a clearer picture.

"The statement by Kayveas was referring only to politicians. The young lawyers are concerned that (he has made) a sweeping statement by saying the government will not abolish section 46A. He should qualify his statement," said Wee when contacted.

The committee, which represents some 4,000 lawyers in Kuala Lumpur with less that seven years experience, has been vocal in campaigning for the abolishment of the provision since 2001.

Apart from young lawyers and office bearers in political parties, the provision also bars members of Parliament, state assembly representatives and unionists from holding positions in the 35-member Bar Council.

Wee asked why Kayveas - who is a lawyer by training - had only addressed the prohibition on politicians but not young lawyers, which "is still an issue that is very much alive".

PM's speech

He also cited Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's speech during the recent tabling of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), in which the premier described the young as "important assets and valuable natural resources".

"We trust that this government, which has brought about more openness in several areas of civil society, will continue to act in the spirit consistent with the intent of the 9MP by repealing strictures which limit the early natural evolution, nurturing and development of the younger generation of this country in becoming future leaders of the world," he added.

Meanwhile, Bar Council chairperson Yeo Yang Poh said he too was puzzled by Kayveas statement while Yeo's deputy Ambiga Sreenevasan said it was up to the members to choose whom they want as leaders.