26 - *LEGAL AID ACT 1971

LAWS OF MALAYSIA ONLINE VERSION OF UPDATED TEXT OF REPRINT Act 26 LEGAL AID ACT 1971 As at 5 September 2022 This text is ONLY AN UPDATED TEXT of the Legal Aid Act 1971 by the Attorney General’s Chambers. Unless and until reprinted pursuant to the powers of the Commissioner of Law Revision under subsection 14(1) of the Revision of Laws Act 1968 [Act 1], this text is NOT AN AUTHENTIC TEXT. 2 LEGAL AID ACT 1971 Date of Royal Assent … … … … 24 April 1971 Date of publication in the Gazette … … 29 April 1971 Latest amendment made by P.U. (A) 274/2022 which came into operation on … … … … 5 September 2022 PREVIOUS REPRINTS First Reprint … … … 1992 Second Reprint … … … 2000 Third Reprint … … … 2006 3 LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 26 LEGAL AID ACT 1971 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I PRELIMINARY Section 1. Short title 2. Interpretation PART IA LEGAL AID SERVICES 2A. Legal aid services 2B. Registration fee PART II ADMINISTRATION 3. Director General of Legal Aid and other persons assisting him 4. Overall supervision by the Minister 5. Panels of solicitors 6. (Deleted) 7. (Deleted) 8. (Deleted) 9. (Deleted) 4 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 PART III LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES Section 10. Application for legal aid in criminal cases 11. Free legal aid certificate PART IV LEGAL AID IN CIVIL ACTIONS 12. General conditions of legal aid in civil actions 13. Application for legal aid in civil cases 14. Power of Director General to make inquiries 15. Grant of legal aid certificates 16. Additional powers to grant legal aid service 16A. Grant of legal aid certificate where Director General authorized by Minister to give legal aid 16B. (Deleted) 17. (Deleted) 18. Contributions from aided persons 19. Cancellation of certificate 20. Application for aid by more than one party 21. Endorsement and filing of certificate 22. Deposit in respect of out of pocket expenses 23. Court may order payment of costs by aided person in certain event 24. Legal aid not to discontinue without leave 25. Costs 26. Stay of proceedings upon making of application for legal aid 27. Appeals by aided persons 28. Rules of court Legal Aid 5 PART V LEGAL ADVICE Section 29. Right to and nature of legal advice PART VA MEDIATION 29A. Provisions of mediation services 29B. Dispute 29C. Mediation to be voluntary 29D. Settlement or agreement to be reduced into writing 29E. Confidential communications with a mediator 29F. Mediator PART VB LEGAL COMPANION SERVICES 29G. Provision of legal companion services 29H. Qualification for legal companion services 29I. Legal companion services PART VI GENERAL 30. Privileges attaching to certain relationships 31. False statement 31A. Finality of decision made under Act 31B. Exoneration from liability 32. Regulations 33. Repeal FIRST SCHEDULE — (Deleted) SECOND SCHEDULE THIRD SCHEDULE FOURTH SCHEDULE FIFTH SCHEDULE 7 LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 26 LEGAL AID ACT 1971 An Act to make provisions for the grant of legal aid to certain persons and for matters connected with it. [Throughout Malaysia—30 April 1971] BE IT ENACTED by the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong with the advice and consent of the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat in Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: PART I PRELIMINARY Short title 1. This Act may be cited as the Legal Aid Act 1971. Interpretation 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “aided person” means a person who has been granted a certificate that he is entitled to legal aid under this Act and, where such a person is an infant, includes his guardian; “child” has the meaning assigned to it in the Child Act 2001 [Act 611]; “court” means a court established by or under Part IX of the Federal Constitution, the Syariah Subordinate Court, the Syariah High Court and the Syariah Appeal Court; 8 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 “Director General of Legal Aid” or “Director General” means the Director General of Legal Aid appointed under section 3; “Director of Social Welfare” means the person for the time being executing the duties of the Director of Social Welfare and includes such other officers as may be vested with the powers or as may be exercising the functions of the Director of Social Welfare in a State; “judge” means— (a) a judge of a court established by Part IX of the Federal Constitution, and includes a Sessions Court Judge or a Magistrate; or (b) a judge of a Syariah Subordinate Court, a Syariah High Court or a Syariah Appeal Court; “legal aid” means legal aid services as provided in section 2A; “mediation” includes— (a) the undertaking of any activity for the purpose of promoting the discussion and settlement of disputes; (b) the bringing together of the parties to any dispute for the purpose referred to in paragraph (a), either at the request of one of the parties to the dispute or on the initiative of the Director General of Legal Aid; and (c) the follow-up of any matter being the subject of any such discussion or settlement; “mediation session” means a meeting in accordance with Part VA; “mediator” means any person who is appointed under section 29F; “solicitor” means an advocate and solicitor admitted to practise in any part of Malaysia. Legal Aid 9 PART IA LEGAL AID SERVICES Legal aid services 2A. (1) The legal aid services given under this Act shall consist of the following: (a) legal aid in criminal cases as provided in Part III; (b) legal aid in civil actions as provided in Part IV; (c) legal advice as provided in Part V; (d) mediation services as provided in Part VA; and (e) legal companion services as provided in Part VB. (2) The legal aid services referred to in subsection (1) may be given to the citizens of Malaysia only. Registration fee 2B. (1) Any person who has qualified for a legal aid under this Act shall be required to pay to the Director General of Legal Aid a registration fee as prescribed by the Minister. (2) The registration fee paid under subsection (1) shall be expended for the purposes of administering the legal aid services. 10 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 PART II ADMINISTRATION Director General of Legal Aid and other persons assisting him 3. (1) The Minister may appoint from amongst members of the Judicial and Legal Service of the Federation a person to be or to act as a Director General of Legal Aid. (2) The Director General shall be assisted by such other person as the Minister may appoint and who shall carry such designation or designations as the Minister may determine. (3) Notwithstanding any provision of any written law to the contrary, the Director General and any person appointed under subsection (2) shall, for the purposes of this Act, have the right to appear and plead in all courts in Malaysia. (4) For the purposes of this Act, every person appointed under subsection (2) shall be subject to the general direction and supervision of the Director General, and subject thereto, shall have and exercise all the powers conferred on the Director General by or under this Act, other than those conferred by sections 5 and 27. (5) Every person appointed under subsection (2) shall, unless he is already a public servant— (a) receive such remuneration as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may determine; (b) be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Penal Code [Act 574]. Overall supervision by the Minister 4. (1) The Director General shall be responsible to the Minister. Legal Aid 11 (2) The Minister may from time to time issue directions to the Director General not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act and the Director General shall comply with such directions. Panels of solicitors 5. (1) The Director General of Legal Aid shall prepare and maintain panels of solicitors willing to investigate, report and give an opinion upon applications for the grant of legal aid, to act for persons receiving legal aid or to give legal advice under the provisions of this Act; and there may be separate panels for different purposes and for different courts. (2) Any solicitor shall be entitled to have his name on the panels or any of them unless there is good reason for excluding him arising out of his conduct when acting or assigned to act for persons receiving legal aid or his professional conduct generally. (3) Where a solicitor is aggrieved by any decision excluding him (whether permanently or temporarily) from the panels or any of them, he may appeal against the decision to a High Court and the High Court (whose decision shall be final) may confirm or quash the decision appealed against or may substitute such decision as it thinks fit. (4) Subject to subsection 24(2), any solicitor may at any time request the Director General to remove his name from the panels or any of them and the Director General shall comply with such request. (5) Subject to any regulations made under this Act, the Director General shall pay to a solicitor investigating and reporting or giving an opinion upon applications for the grant of legal aid or acting for persons receiving legal aid or giving legal advice under the provisions of this Act such fees as may be agreed between the Director General and the solicitor. 6. (Deleted by Act A578). 12 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 7. (Deleted by Act A1188). 8. (Deleted by Act A1188). 9. (Deleted by Act A1188). PART III LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES Application for legal aid in criminal cases 10. (1) Criminal proceedings in connection with which legal aid may be given are any proceedings of a description specified in the Second Schedule. (2) The Minister may by order amend or vary the Second Schedule. (2A) Notwithstanding subsection (1) and sections 15 and 16, where the Minister is satisfied that in any particular case of hardship it is in the interests of justice to do so, he may authorize, in writing, the Director General to give legal aid in connection with any proceedings, whether or not of a description specified in the Second Schedule. (3) Any person may at any time within fourteen days after the committal under the Criminal Procedure Code [Act 593], charge or conviction before or by any court, apply in writing in the prescribed form to the judge by whom the order was made or before whom the person was charged, or to the Director General, for legal aid for his defence or for the preparation and conduct of his appeal, as the case may be. (4) Where the Public Prosecutor has lodged notice of appeal against any judgment, sentence or order pronounced by any court, the respondent may make application to the judge by whom the judgment, sentence or order was made, or to the Director General, for legal aid resisting the appeal. Legal Aid 13 (5) Every application under this section shall be accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying the facts stated in the application. (6) The judge before whom the person appears on a charge shall inform such person of his right to apply for legal aid under this Part. Free legal aid certificate 11. (1) Where application is made under section 10, the judge or the Director General of Legal Aid may refer the application to the Director of Social Welfare for a report on the means of the applicant. (2) If the judge or the Director General of Legal Aid is of opinion on the facts brought before him including any report by the Director of Social Welfare that the person making the application is without adequate means to obtain legal aid and that it is desirable in the interests of justice that such legal aid should be supplied, he shall certify to that effect and the Director General of Legal Aid may thereupon cause arrangements to be made for the defence of that person and payment of the expenses of all material witnesses or for the preparation and conduct of the appeal or for resisting the appeal, as the case may be. (3) Any doubt whether an applicant’s means are sufficient to enable him to obtain legal aid or whether it is desirable in the interests of justice that he should have free legal aid shall be resolved in favour of the applicant. PART IV LEGAL AID IN CIVIL ACTIONS General conditions of legal aid in civil actions 12. (1) Civil proceedings in connection with which legal aid may be given are any proceedings of a description specified in the Third Schedule. 14 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 (2) The Minister may by order amend or vary the Third Schedule. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) and sections 15 and 16, where the Minister is satisfied that in any particular case of hardship it is in the interests of justice so to do, he may authorize the Director General to give legal aid in connection with any proceedings, whether or not of a description specified in the Third Schedule. Application for legal aid in civil cases 13. (1) (a) Any person who, whether in his own right or in a representative capacity desires to be granted legal aid under this Part shall make application in that behalf to the Director General of Legal Aid. (b) Every such application shall be in the prescribed form and accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying the facts stated in the application. (2) Where the person who desires to be granted legal aid is an infant, the application under this section shall be made on behalf of the infant by his guardian. (3) Where any application is made on behalf of an infant under subsection (2) then— (a) a reference in section 14, paragraph 15(2)(a) or 16(1)(a) to an applicant shall be construed as a reference to the guardian and the infant jointly or to either of them severally; and (b) a reference in paragraph 15(2)(b) or 16(1)(b) to an applicant shall, in any case where the infant is unmarried and the guardian is a near relative (as defined in subsection (4) of this section) of the infant, be construed as a reference to both the guardian and the infant and in every other case shall be construed as a reference to the infant only. Legal Aid 15 (4) In subsection (3) of this section the expression “near relative” means— (i) in the case of a legitimate child, the father or the mother; (ii) in the case of an adopted child, an adopting parent; (iii) in the case of an illegitimate child, the mother. Power of Director General to make inquiries 14. Where an application is made under section 13, the Director General of Legal Aid may— (a) make such inquiries as he thinks fit as to the means and conditions of the applicant and as to the merits of the case or refer the application to the Director of Social Welfare for a report on the means of the applicant; (b) require the applicant to furnish such information and such documents as the Director General may require for the purpose of considering the application; (c) require the applicant to attend personally; (d) refer the application or any matter arising out of the application to any solicitor whose name is on the appropriate panel maintained pursuant to section 5 to investigate the facts and make a report thereon or to give any opinion thereon or on any question of law arising out of the application; (e) take or cause to be taken such steps as may be necessary to conserve the interests of the applicant pending determination of his application; (f) defray expenses incidental to any of the foregoing matters out of moneys provided for the purpose. 16 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 Grant of legal aid certificates 15. (1) (Deleted by Act A578). (2) The Director General may grant to an applicant for legal aid a certificate (hereinafter referred to as a “legal aid certificate”) that the applicant is entitled under this Part to legal aid in connection with any proceedings where— (a) he is satisfied that the applicant has reasonable grounds for taking, defending, continuing or being a party thereto; and (b) he is satisfied that the applicant fulfills the criteria and means tests as prescribed by the Minister. Additional powers to grant legal aid service 16. (1) Notwithstanding section 15 the Director General may grant to an applicant a legal aid certificate in connection with any proceedings where— (a) he is satisfied that the applicant has reasonable grounds for taking, defending, continuing or being a party thereto; and (b) he is satisfied that the applicant fulfills the criteria and means tests as prescribed by the Minister. (2) Any person to whom a legal aid certificate is granted under this section may be required to pay to the Director General a contribution in respect of the sums payable on his account. Grant of legal aid certificate where Director General authorized by Minister to give legal aid 16A. (1) Notwithstanding sections 15 and 16, the Director General shall grant to an applicant for legal aid a legal aid certificate in Legal Aid 17 connection with any proceedings where the Minister has authorized the Director General to give legal aid under subsection 12(3). (2) Any person to whom a legal aid certificate is granted under this section may be required to pay to the Director General a contribution in respect of the sums payable on his account. 16B. (Deleted by Act A1548). 17. (Deleted by Act A1188). Contributions from aided persons 18. (1) Any person to whom a legal aid certificate is granted under section 16 or 16A in respect of any proceedings may be required to make any contribution of a sum as prescribed by the Minister for the purposes of administering the legal aid services. (2) (Deleted by Act A1188). (3) If the total contribution made by a person in respect of any proceedings is more than the net liability of the Director General on his account, the excess shall be repaid to him. (4) Except in so far as regulations may otherwise provide any sums remaining unpaid on account of a person’s contribution in respect of any proceedings and, if the total contribution is less than the net liability of the Director General on his account, a sum equal to the deficiency shall be a first charge on any property (wherever situate) which is recovered or preserved for that person in the proceedings. (5) The reference in the preceding subsection to property recovered or preserved for any person, shall include his rights under any settlement or compromise arrived at to avoid or bring to an end the proceedings and any sums recovered by virtue of an order for costs made in his favour in the proceedings (not being sums otherwise payable to the Director General). 18 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 (6) The charge created by subsection (4) of this section on any damages or costs shall not prevent a court allowing them to be set off against other damages or costs in any case where a solicitor’s lien for costs would not prevent it. (7) References in this section to the net liability of the Director General on any person’s account in relation to any proceedings refer to the aggregate amount of the sums paid or payable by the Director General on his account and where the person has been represented in the proceedings by the Director General, such sums as would in the opinion of the Director General have been payable on the person’s account had he been represented by a solicitor assigned to him, in respect of those proceedings and not recouped by sums which are recovered by virtue of an order or agreement for costs made in his favour with respect to those proceedings. Cancellation of certificate 19. (1) The Director General of Legal Aid or any person appointed under subsection 3(2) may, at any time, and whether or not application has been made for the purpose, cancel any legal aid certificate issued under section 15 or 16 or, where so authorized by the Minister, under section 16A, and subject to subsection (2) of this section the person to whom the certificate was granted shall, as from the date of such cancellation, cease to be an aided person. (2) Where the legal aid certificate so cancelled has been filed in the registry of any court the Director General or any person appointed under subsection 3(2) shall file in court a notification of such cancellation, and, as from the date of filing of such notification, the person to whom the legal aid certificate was granted shall cease to be an aided person. (3) Upon the filing in court of such notification, then, unless otherwise ordered by a judge of the court in which the litigation is pending, all proceedings in the litigation shall, by virtue of this subsection, be stayed for a period of fourteen days and, subject as aforesaid, during such period, time fixed by or under any law or by or Legal Aid 19 under any rules of court, regulations or otherwise for the doing of any act or the taking of any step in the proceedings shall not run. (4) The time during which proceedings are stayed by virtue of subsection (3) of this section may be reduced or extended by order of a judge of the court in which the litigation is pending. (5) The Director General or any person appointed under subsection 3(2) shall take such steps as seem to him reasonable or necessary to inform the person to whom a legal aid certificate has been granted of the cancellation of any such certificate. Application for aid by more than one party 20. If, in relation to any proceedings to which a person who has made an application for legal aid under this Part or an aided person is a party, any other party makes application for legal aid under this Part the provisions of this Act shall apply to both such parties: Provided that the Director General of Legal Aid shall not himself act for either such party but shall assign a solicitor to be selected by the aided person, if he so desires, or otherwise by the Director General from the appropriate panel of solicitors maintained pursuant to section 5 to act for each aided person. Endorsement and filing of certificate 21. (1) Where a legal aid certificate is granted pursuant to section 15, 16 or 16A the Director General of Legal Aid may act for the aided person or may assign a solicitor to be selected by the aided person, if he so desires, or otherwise by the Director General from the appropriate panel maintained pursuant to section 5 so to act, and in such case shall endorse on the legal aid certificate the name of the solicitor so assigned: Provided that in any case where a solicitor is assigned to act after such certificate is filed in court, or in any case where a new assignment 20 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 is made in lieu of a solicitor assigned previously, the Director General shall not be required to endorse on the certificate the name of the solicitor so assigned, or newly assigned, as the case may be, but may, instead, give notice of such assignment or new assignment by letter to the proper officer of the court in which proceedings are pending. (2) Before taking any other step in the proceedings the Director General or the solicitor so assigned shall file the legal aid certificate in the registry of the court in which the proceedings are pending or are to be taken and no court fee shall be charged in respect of the filing of the certificate. (3) Where any legal aid certificate is so filed the aided person— (a) shall not be liable in respect of any proceedings to which the certificate relates for court fees or for such fees payable for the service of process or for any fees due to the Sheriff in connection with the execution of process; (b) shall be entitled to be supplied free of charge with a copy of the judge’s notes of evidence in any proceedings to which the certificate relates; and (c) shall not, except where express provision is made in this Act, be liable for costs to any other party in any proceedings to which the certificate relates. (4) Subject to sections 18 and 22 no person who, pursuant to any reference under this Act, makes any investigation or report or gives any opinion or who pursuant to any assignment under this Act conducts any proceedings, shall take or agree to take or seek from an aided person any fee, profit or reward (pecuniary or otherwise) in respect thereof. Deposit in respect of out of pocket expenses 22. (1) The Director General of Legal Aid may require any applicant for legal aid under this Part or any person to whom a legal aid certificate has been granted under section 15, 16 or 16A to deposit with Legal Aid 21 him such amounts at such times as the Director General may think fit to be used in or towards meeting out of pocket expenses (not including office expenses) incurred in connection with the application or with any proceedings to which the application or the legal aid certificate relates. (2) Any amount so deposited shall be used for the payment of such out of pocket expenses and any part of any such amount not so expended shall be refunded. (3) In any case where the Director General is satisfied that the making of a deposit under subsection (1) of this section would occasion hardship, the Director General may, out of moneys provided for the purpose from time to time, meet any out of pocket expenses (not including office expenses) or make such payments to meet such out of pocket expenses as he may consider necessary. (4) Any payment so made shall be used only for payment of such out of pocket expenses and any part of such amount not so expended shall be refunded to the Director General of Legal Aid. Court may order payment of costs by aided person in certain event 23. (1) Where it appears to a court or judge that a legal aid certificate granted under section 15 or 16 has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, the court or judge may order the aided person to pay the costs of the Director General or of the solicitor who acted for him or the costs of the other party, or the costs of both the Director General or such solicitor and such party. (2) In subsection (1) a reference to an “aided person” shall include, in any case where the legal aid certificate has been cancelled before the making of the order, the person who immediately before such cancellation was the aided person. (3) Where it appears to a court or judge that an aided person has acted improperly in bringing or defending any legal proceedings or in the conduct of them the court or judge may order the aided person to 22 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 pay the costs of the Director General or of the solicitor who acted for him or the costs of the other party, or the costs of both the Director General or such solicitor and such party. (4) Where an order is made under subsection (1) or (3) the costs shall be taxed as if the party ordered to pay them were not an aided person. (5) The costs so ordered to be paid shall, unless otherwise directed by the order, include— (a) fees and charges of the nature referred to in paragraphs 21(3)(a) and (b); and (b) any sums which, pursuant to subsection 22(3) were expended by the Director General in meeting out of pocket expenses or were paid by the Director General for that purpose. (6) Where the costs of the Director General or the solicitor who acted for the aided person ordered to be paid under subsection (1) or (3) of this section include any of the fees, charges or sums referred to in subsection (5) of this section, if any amount is recovered by the Director General in respect of such costs the same shall be applied in the first instance in or towards the satisfaction of such fees, charges or sums. Legal aid not to discontinue without leave 24. (1) An aided person shall not without the leave of the Director General discharge any solicitor assigned to act under this Part for him. (2) Any solicitor assigned to act for an aided person shall not discontinue his aid without the leave of the Director General of Legal Aid: Provided that any solicitor may be represented by any other solicitor. Legal Aid 23 Costs 25. (1) Where proceedings in which an aided person is a party are taken in any court, the court shall make, in favour of the aided person, the like order for costs (except against another aided person) as that court would have made in favour of the aided person had he not been an aided person, and in proceedings in which costs follow the event an aided person shall (except against another aided person) be entitled to costs in like manner as if he were not an aided person, notwithstanding that no amount is or will be payable by the aided person, or that the costs are in excess of the amount which is or will be payable by the aided person. (2) Where any moneys are recovered by an aided person (whether in proceedings or by virtue of a settlement or compromise) he shall be liable to pay to the Director General so much of the moneys so recovered as is recovered in respect of costs. (3) For the purposes of subsection (2) of this section the moneys recovered in respect of costs shall be deemed to be so much of the total amount so recovered as exceeds the amount (if any) recoverable by the aided person otherwise than as costs. (4) Where any moneys are recovered by a person to whom a legal aid certificate has been granted under section 15, 16 or 16A (whether in proceedings or by virtue of a settlement or compromise) he shall, subject to the provisions of this subsection, be liable to pay, out of moneys so recovered, to the Director General the aggregate amount of the sums paid or payable by the Director General on his account and, where such person has been represented in the proceedings by the Director General such sums as would in the opinion of the Director General have been payable on his account had he been represented by a solicitor assigned to him: Provided that— (a) where the amount recovered does not exceed one thousand ringgit, no sum shall be payable by the aided person under this subsection; 24 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 (b) where the amount recovered exceeds one thousand ringgit, the sum payable by the aided person under this subsection shall not exceed— (i) one-fourth of the amount recovered; or (ii) the difference between the amount received and the amount of one thousand ringgit whichever is the less. (5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) the expression “costs” shall include— (a) counsel’s fees whether or not the same have been paid; (b) fees and charges of the nature referred to in paragraphs 21(3)(a) and (b); and (c) any sums which, pursuant to subsection 22(3), are expended by the Director General in meeting out of pocket expenses or are paid by the Director General for that purpose. (6) Where the costs recovered by the Director General under this section include any of the fees, charges or sums referred to in paragraphs (5)(b) and (c), such costs shall be applied, in the first instance, in and towards satisfaction of such fees, charges or sums. Stay of proceedings upon making of application for legal aid 26. (1) Where litigation has been instituted and any party makes an application for legal aid under this Act the Director General shall, as soon as practicable after the application is made, notify the other party or each of the other parties, and file in the court in which the litigation is pending a memorandum of such notification and no fee shall be charged in respect of the filing of the memorandum. (2) Where any memorandum is so filed, then, unless otherwise ordered by a judge of the court in which the litigation is pending, all Legal Aid 25 proceedings in the litigation shall, by virtue of this section be stayed for a period of fourteen days, and during such period (unless otherwise ordered by any such judge) time fixed by or under any written law or by or under any rules of court, regulations or otherwise for the doing of any act or the taking of any step in the proceedings shall not run: Provided, however— (a) that the filing of the memorandum shall not operate to prevent the making of— (i) an interlocutory order for an injunction or for the appointment of a receiver or manager or receiver and manager; (ii) an order to prevent the lapse of a caveat against dealings with land; or (iii) any other order which, in the opinion of a judge of the court in which the litigation is pending is necessary to prevent an irremediable injustice; (b) that, unless otherwise ordered by a judge of the court in which the litigation is pending, the filing of the memorandum shall not operate to prevent the institution or continuance of proceedings to obtain, enforce or otherwise carry into effect any such order as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of this proviso or a decree to the like effect. (3) The time during which proceedings are stayed by virtue of this section may be reduced or extended by order of a judge of the court in which the litigation is pending. Appeals by aided persons 27. Where a legal aid certificate granted pursuant to section 15, 16 or 16A has been filed in any court and the proceedings to which the certificate relates have been heard in that court and the aided person 26 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 desires to prosecute any appeal or proceedings in the nature of an appeal therefrom, he shall not be entitled to prosecute such appeal or proceedings in the nature of an appeal as an aided person unless, in a case where the certificate was granted pursuant to section 16A, the Minister, and in all other cases, the Director General, is satisfied that the aided person has good grounds of appeal and so certifies. Rules of court 28. Where it is necessary or expedient so to do, the Rules Committee may make rules regulating the practice and procedure of any court in which proceedings may be taken by an aided person. PART V LEGAL ADVICE Right to and nature of legal advice 29. (1) Subject to this Part, legal advice on any matter specified in the Second, Third and Fourth Schedules shall be available to citizens of Malaysia. (2) Legal advice shall consist of oral advice on legal questions given by the Director General of Legal Aid or a solicitor whose name is on the appropriate panel of solicitors maintained pursuant to section 5 and shall include help in preparing an application for legal aid and in supplying information required in determining financial resources of the applicant but shall not include advice on any law other than the law of Malaysia. (3) Provisions may be made by regulations for further defining or restricting the questions on which legal advice may be given and for regulating all matters relating to fees, charges and costs in relation to the giving of legal advice. (4) A person seeking legal advice shall apply to the Director General of Legal Aid and shall be required to satisfy the Director Legal Aid 27 General of Legal Aid that he cannot afford to obtain the legal advice in the ordinary way. (5) The Minister may by order amend or vary the Fourth Schedule. PART VA MEDIATION Provision of mediation services 29A. (1) The Minister may authorize the Director General of Legal Aid to provide mediation services to aided persons. (2) Each mediation session shall be conducted by one or more mediators. Dispute 29B. (1) Any person who is a party to a dispute which is the subject of or which may become the subject of or which is related to any proceedings of a description specified in the Third Schedule may refer the dispute to a mediator. (2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), the Director General may refer to a mediator any dispute which is the subject of or which may become the subject of or which is related to any proceedings of a description specified in the Third Schedule. (3) A mediation session may commence or continue whether or not the dispute can be a subject matter or is the subject matter before any court, tribunal or body. (4) An aided person or persons may be treated as being in dispute on any matter if he or they are not in agreement on the matter whether or not any relevant negotiations are still in progress. 28 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 Mediation to be voluntary 29C. (1) Attendance at and participation in a mediation session is voluntary. (2) A party to a mediation session may withdraw from the mediation session at any time. (3) Attendance at, participation in or withdrawal from a mediation session conducted under this Act shall not affect any rights or remedies that a party to a dispute has. Settlement or agreement to be reduced into writing 29D. No settlement or agreement shall be binding on the parties to a mediation session unless it has been reduced into writing and signed by the parties to the settlement or agreement. Confidential communications with a mediator 29E. No person shall be compelled to disclose to the court any confidential communication which has taken place between that person and a mediator, if the mediation process fails, unless that person offers himself as a witness, in which case that person may be compelled to disclose only such communications as may appear to the court to be necessary to be known in order to explain any evidence which he has given. Mediator 29F. (1) The Minister may appoint any person as a mediator for the purpose of this Part. (2) Every person appointed under subsection (1) shall be subject to the general direction and supervision of the Director General of Legal Legal Aid 29 Aid and shall have no right to appear and plead in any court in Malaysia. PART VB LEGAL COMPANION SERVICES Provision of legal companion services 29G. (1) Subject to this Part, legal companion services in relation to any proceedings of a description of offences specified in the Fifth Schedule may be provided to any person. (2) The Minister may by order amend the Fifth Schedule. Qualification for legal companion services 29H. (1) Any person is qualified to make an application to the Director General of Legal Aid for a legal companion service if— (a) he is a child who is a victim of any offences as specified in the Fifth Schedule; and (b) he is still a child at the time the proceedings is commenced in court. (2) The Director General of Legal Aid may grant a legal aid certificate to an applicant who is entitled under this Part to legal companion service upon being satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements in subsection (1). (3) Any person to whom a legal aid certificate is granted under subsection (2) may be required to pay to the Director General of Legal Aid a contribution of a sum as prescribed by the Minister. 30 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 (4) The contribution paid under subsection (3) shall be expended for the purposes of administering the legal aid services. Legal companion services 29I. (1) A legal companion service may be given for the following purposes: (a) to advise the guardian, or protector of an aided person permitted under any written laws on legal matters; (b) to obtain relevant information relating to charges against any accused person in any criminal proceedings to which the aided person is the victim; (c) to accompany an aided person in any proceedings in court, and with leave of the court, to speak on behalf of an aided person, if necessary; and (d) to advise the guardian, or protector of an aided person permitted under any written law on any matter relating to any civil action that can be brought or instituted by an aided person, if any. (2) The Director General of Legal Aid may at any time discontinue the legal companion services given to the aided person. PART VI GENERAL Privileges attaching to certain relationships 30. (1) The like privileges and rights as those which arise from the relationship of client and advocate and solicitor acting in his professional employment shall arise from the following relationship, that is to say: Legal Aid 31 (a) the relationship between a person granted legal aid under section 11 and the Director General and the solicitor (if any) assigned to act for him; (b) the relationship between an applicant for legal aid under this Act and the Director General and the solicitor (if any) to whom the application is referred; (c) the relationship between an aided person and the Director General and the solicitor (if any) assigned to act for him in any proceedings to which a legal aid certificate under section 15, 16 or 16A relates; (d) the relationship between a person seeking legal advice and the Director General and the solicitor (if any) by whom such advice is given. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (1) the privileges therein referred to shall not arise in relation to any information tendered to the Director General concerning the property or income of the applicant for a legal aid certificate under this Act. (3) Save as provided by this Act or by regulations made thereunder the rights conferred by this Act on a person receiving legal aid or legal advice under Part III, IV or V, as the case may be, shall not affect the rights or liabilities of other parties to the proceedings or the principles on which the discretion of any court or tribunal is normally exercised. False statement 31. If any person seeking or receiving legal aid or advice in furnishing any information in his application knowingly makes any false statement or false representation, he shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both. 32 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 Finality of decision made under Act 31A. Any decision made under this Act— (a) to grant or refuse to grant legal aid pursuant to Part III or IV; (d) to cancel or refuse to cancel any legal aid certificate pursuant to section 19; or (e) to certify or refuse to certify pursuant to section 27 that an aided person has good grounds of appeal, shall be final and conclusive and shall not be subject to question or review in any court: Provided that any person dissatisfied with a decision made under this Act by any person appointed under subsection 3(2) to refuse to grant legal aid may appeal to the Director General whose decision thereon shall be final and conclusive and shall not be subject to question or review in any court. Exoneration from liability 31B. No matter or thing done or omitted to be done by— (a) the Director General of Legal Aid; (b) persons appointed under subsection 3(2); or (c) a mediator appointed under section 29F, shall, if the matter or thing was done in good faith for the purpose of executing this Act and did not involve any fraud or wilful misconduct, subject any of them to any action, liability, claim or demand. Legal Aid 33 Regulations 32. (1) The Minister may make regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act prescribing anything which may be prescribed (other than for the purpose of regulating the practice and procedure of any court). (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), regulations made under that subsection may provide for any or all of the following matters: (a) fees, charges and costs in relation to proceedings to which an aided person or a person to whom legal aid is supplied under this Act is a party and the remission of any such fees or charges; (b) the recovery of sums due in respect of legal aid and for making effective the charge created by this Act on property recovered or preserved for a person receiving legal aid, including provision— (i) for the enforcement of any order or agreement for costs made in favour of a person who has received legal aid; and (ii) for making a solicitor’s right to payment wholly or partly dependent on his performance of any duties imposed on him by regulation made for the purposes of this paragraph; (c) any provision necessary to meet the special circumstances where— (i) a person seeks legal aid in a matter of special urgency; (ii) a person begins to receive legal aid after having consulted a solicitor in the ordinary way with respect to the same matter, or ceases to receive legal 34 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 aid before the matter in question is finally settled; and (iii) there is any relevant change of circumstances while a person is receiving legal aid; (ca) to regulate the practice and procedure of mediation; (cb) to regulate the practice and procedure of legal companion services; and (d) any other matter for the purpose of carrying into effect any of the provisions of this Act. Repeal 33. The Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance No. 39, 1970 [P.U.(A)257/1970] is hereby repealed. FIRST SCHEDULE (Deleted by Act A1188) SECOND SCHEDULE [Section 10] DESCRIPTION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS 1. All criminal proceedings in which the accused and a child charged with any offence not being represented by counsel pleads guilty to the charge or charges and wishes to make a plea in mitigation in respect thereof. 2. Criminal proceedings against a child in the Court For Children under the Child Act 2001 [Act 611]. Legal Aid 35 3. Criminal proceedings under the Minor Offences Act 1955 [Act 336]. THIRD SCHEDULE [Section 12] DESCRIPTION OF CIVIL PROCEEDINGS Civil Court Proceedings 1. Proceedings under the Married Women and Children (Maintenance) Act 1950 [Act 263]. 2. Proceedings under the Maintenance Ordinance 1959 (Sabah No.7 of 1959). 3. Proceedings under the Sarawak Customary Marriages (Maintenance) Ordinance 2003 (Cap. 55). 4. Proceedings under the Maintenance Orders (Facilities for Enforcement) Act 1949 [Act 34] for a provisional order. 5. Proceedings under the Married Women and Children (Enforcement of Maintenance) Act 1968 [Act 356]. 6. Rights and liabilities in respect of proceedings for divorce and custody. 7. Rights and liabilities under the Adoption Act 1952 [Act 257]. 8. Rights and liabilities under the Adoption Ordinance 1960 (Sabah No. 23 of 1960). 9. Proceedings under the Sarawak Adoption Ordinance (Cap. 91). 10. Rights and liabilities under the Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955 [Act 98]. 11. Applications for Probate and Letters of Administration. 12. Rights and liabilities under the Probate and Administration Ordinance 1947 Sabah (Cap. 109). 13. Rights and liabilities under the Sarawak Administration of Estate Ordinance (Cap. 80). 36 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 14. Rights and liabilities under the Padi Cultivators (Control of Rent and Security of Tenure) Act 1967 [Act 528]. 15. Rights and liabilities in respect of civil action for damages arising from accidents involving motor vehicles within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 1987 [Act 333]. 16. Rights and liabilities under the Moneylenders Act 1951 [Act 400]. 17. Rights and liabilities in respect of proceedings relating to tenancy. 18. Rights and liabilities under the Hire-Purchase Act 1967 [Act 212]. 19. Consumer claims. 20. Applications for presumption of death order. 21. Rights and liabilities under the Guardianship of Infants Act [Act 351]. 22. Proceedings under the Sarawak Guardianship of Infants Ordinance (Cap. 93). 23. Proceedings under the Sabah Guardianship of Infants Ordinance (Cap. 54). Syariah Court Proceedings 1. Proceedings relating to betrothal (damages), wali hakim, maintenance, custody, divorce, marital debt, mutaah and harta sepencarian including the proceedings relating to enforcement and execution of the orders of such proceedings. 2. Proceedings relating to gifts inter vivos (hibah) and will. 3. Applications for presumption of death for dissolution of marriage. FOURTH SCHEDULE [Subsection 29(1)] DESCRIPTION OF MATTERS IN RESPECT OF WHICH LEGAL ADVICE MAY BE GIVEN Legal advice on all matters. Legal Aid 37 FIFTH SCHEDULE [Subsection 29G(1)] DESCRIPTION OF OFFENCES IN RESPECT OF WHICH LEGAL COMPANION SERVICES MAY BE GIVEN All sexual offences against a child provided in any written law. *NOTE—see section 12 of the Legal Aid (Amendment) Act 2017 [Act A1548] w.e.f 1 December 2017 which provides the following provision: Saving 12. Any application made or action commenced under the principal Act which is still pending before the coming into operation of this Act shall continue to be valid and shall be dealt with under the principal Act as if the principal Act had not been amended by this Act. 38 LAWS OF MALAYSIA Act 26 LEGAL AID ACT 1971 LIST OF AMENDMENTS Amending law Short title In force from P.U. (A) 214/1971 Legal Aid (Amendment) 25-06-1971 Order 1971 P.U. (A) 293/1972 Legal Aid (Amendment) Order 1972 22-09-1972 P.U. (A) 104/1973 Legal Aid (Amendment) Order 1973 07-04-1973 P.U. (A) 46/1975 Legal Aid (Amendment) Order 1975 01-03-1975 P.U.

(A) 27/1982 Legal Aid (Amendment) Order 1982 01-02-1982 Act A578 Legal Aid (Amendment) 20-01-1984 Act 1984 Act A653 Legal Aid (Amendment) 16-05-1986 Act 1986 Act A911 Legal Aid (Amendment) 17-02-1995 Act 1995 Act A1188 Legal Aid (Amendment) 15-07-2003: Act 2003 for section 2, paragraphs 3(a), (b), (c) and (f) and section 12 [P.U. (B) 242/2003] 01-06-2005: other sections [P.U. (B) 177/2005] P.U. (A) 429/2011 Legal Aid (Amendment of Third 01-01-2012 Schedule) Order 2011 Act A1548 Legal Aid (Amendment) 01-12-2017 Act 2017 P.U. (A) 274/2022 Legal Aid (Amendment of Second 05-09-2022 and Third Schedule) Order 2022 39 LAWS OF MALAYSIA ACT 26 LEGAL AID ACT 1971 LIST OF SECTIONS AMENDED Section Amending authority In force from 2 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A911 17-02-1995 Act A1188 15-07-2003; 01-06-2005 Act A1548 01-12-2017 PART IA Act A1548 01-12-2017 2A Act A1548 01-12-2017 2B Act A1548 01-12-2017 3 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 15-07-2003; 01-06-2005 4 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 15-07-2003 5 Act A1188 15-07-2003 6 Act A578 20-01-1984 7 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 01-06-2005 8 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 01-06-2005 9 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 01-06-2005 40 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 Section Amending authority In force from 10 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 15-07-2003 01-06-2005 11 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003 12 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 15-07-2003 13 Act A1188 15-07-2003; 01-06-2005 14 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003 15 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A911 17-02-1995 Act A1188 15-07-2003; 01-06-2005 Act A1548 01-12-2017 16 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A911 17-02-1995 Act A1188 15-07-2003; 01-06-2005 Act A1548 01-12-2017 16A Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 15-07-2003 16B Act A911 17-02-1995 Act A1188 15-07-2003 Act A1548 01-12-2017 17 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A911 17-02-1995 Act A1188 01-06-2005 Legal Aid 41 Section Amending authority In force from 18 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003; 01-06-2005 Akta A1548 01-12-2017 19 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 15-07-2003 20 Act A1188 15-07-2003 21 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003 22 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003 23 Act A1188 15-07-2003 24 Act A1188 15-07-2003 25 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003 26 Act A1188 15-07-2003 27 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 15-07-2003 29 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A911 17-02-1995 Act A1188 15-07-2003; 01-06-2005 Act A1548 01-12-2017 PART VA Act A1188 01-06-2005 29A–29F Act A1188 01-06-2005 Act A1548 01-12-2017 PART VB Act A1548 01-12-2017 42 Laws of Malaysia ACT 26 Section Amending authority In force from 29G–29I Act A1548 01-12-2017 30 Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003 31A Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 15-07-2003 31B Act A1188 01-06-2005 32 Act A653 16-05-1986 Act A1188 01-06-2005 Act A1548 01-12-2017 First Schedule Act A578 20-01-1984 Act A1188 01-06-2005 Act A1548 01-12-2017 Second Schedule P.U. (A) 104/1973 07-04-1973 P.U. (A) 27/1982 01-02-1982 P.U. (A) 274/2022 05-09-2022 Third Schedule P.U. (A) 214/1971 25-06-1971 P.U. (A) 293/1972 22-09-1972 P.U. (A) 104/1973 07-04-1973 P.U. (A) 46/1975 01-03-1975 P.U. (A) 27/1982 01-02-1982 P.U. (A) 429/2011 01-01-2012 P.U. (A) 274/2022 05-09-2022 Fourth Schedule P.U. (A) 214/1971 25-06-1971 P.U. (A) 293/1972 22-09-1972 P.U. (A) 104/1973 07-04-1973 P.U. (A) 46/1975 01-03-1975 P.U. (A) 27/1982 01-02-1982 Fifth Schedule Act A1548 01-12-2017