Anand Raj takes over as Malaysian Bar president, pledging continuity and an independent voice for justice.

PETALING JAYA: Anand Raj has been elected president of the Malaysian Bar for the 2026/2027 term at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, succeeding Datuk Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab, who had hold the position for the last two terms.

At the same meeting, Murshidah Mustafa was elected vice-president, while R. Jayabalan and Peter-Douglas Ling were chosen as secretary and treasurer respectively.

The top three post was not contested while Ling won the treasurer post after garnering 26 votes beating Datuk Yasmeen Shariff who garnered 16 votes.

Nine of the 11 motions that was tabled were passed at the AGM including the separation of power of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor offices which was unanimously approved by council members.

Today’s AGM had to be halted for a while after it failed to meet the initial quorum of 500 members at 11.15am.

However the meeting and was reconvened at 12.15pm.

Shortly after the AGM, Anand Raj held a press conference where he emphasised continuity within the Malaysian Bar leadership, noting that three of the office-bearers were elevated from the roles they held in the previous term.

Anand was previously the vice-president during the 2024/2025 term before taking the top role this year while his former post was succeeded Murshidah who previously served as secretary.

He added that with the new line-up in place, the Malaysian Bar remains committed to reinforcing its role as an independent voice within the justice system.

“This demonstrates continuity in leadership, and we remain committed to upholding the values of the Bar and speaking without fear or favour,” said Anand.

 The Sun Malaysia