KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar Council today conferred two of its former presidents, Hendon Mohamed and the late Datuk Sulaiman Abdullah, with the Malaysian Bar Lifetime Achievement Award for their profound contributions to the Malaysian legal profession and community at large.
Hendon, a Johorean who is the first female president of the Malaysian Bar, received the award for 2023 while Sulaiman was honoured with the posthumous award for 2024.
Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab said the two revered legal figures had left behind a legacy that continues to inspire lawyers in the pursuit of excellence through their exemplary conducts, innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to fairness and civility during their presidency and career.
He said Hendon has shattered barriers and blazed trails as her unyielding passion for law led her to become the first Malay woman to be called to the Bar in 1963, and had held various positions in the Malaysian Bar before culminating as president from 1995 to 1997
.
“During her tenure as president, Hendon led the Bar through pivotal moments, safeguarding its autonomy and advocating ethical practices.
“Post-presidency, she spent a great deal of time on matters involving pupils in chambers, particularly in delivering courses of ethics and professional standards.
“She also volunteered as a mover for pupils during their call to the Bar, reflecting her commitment in nurturing the next generation of legal professional,” he said at the award giving ceremony here today.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Ezri said Sulaiman’s legacy should be honoured with deep reverence and admiration given how the Penangite, who served as the Malaysian Bar president from 2000 to 2001, had left a significant dent in the nation’s legal scene.
“Datuk Sulaiman exemplified quintessential leadership during his presidency. Beyond his role at the Malaysian Bar, he was also a mentor to many lawyers who have since become leaders in their own rights. We draw inspiration from Datuk Sulaiman’s journey. He leaves beh
ind a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us,” he said.
Federal Court Judge Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim represented Hendon to receive the award while Huzir Sulaiman took the award for his late father.
The Malaysian Bar Lifetime Achievement Award was instituted as a form of recognition of and appreciation for Members of the Malaysian Bar who have demonstrated dedication and exemplary lifetime service and made invaluable and outstanding contributions to the Bar.
Among the past recipients were Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Addruse, Datuk Dr Peter Mooney, Datuk Mahadev Shankar, Datuk Seri Karpal Singh, Tan Sri VC George, Tan Sri Lim Phaik Gan and Datuk S. Ambiga.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
