KOTA KINABALU: The legal profession in Sabah should consider pro bono legal work  to provide access to justice to those who cannot afford legal advice and representation,  said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

"Pro bono legal work is a social responsibility, and law firms can build pro bono projects  into their business model to give back to society and promote a positive reputation. It is  a noble calling, a responsibility to our community, and something you can all be proud  of.  

"Getting good justice is for everyone, and I hope the Sabah Law Society will ensure that  its members continue and expand representation to the unrepresented in Sabah," he  said at the Sabah Law Society (SLS) inaugural Gala Night at the Magellan Sutera  tonight. 

His speech was delivered by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk  Christina Liew. 

The Chief Minister said the SLS embodied professionalism, entrusted with the vital  responsibility of regulating the conduct of legal practitioners in Sabah.  

"It plays an essential role in upholding the rule of law, a cornerstone upon which any just  and equitable society firmly rests. 

"I wish to see the Sabah Law Society's continued rise to excellence. I want to see it  evolve into a symbol of legal eminence, setting elevated standards for lawyers in our  region.  

"In order to achieve this, it is imperative for the Society to remain attuned to modern  practices and fully embrace innovation," he said. 

Nonetheless, Hajiji said that as a guardian of justice, the Sabah Law Society must extend  its influence beyond the courtroom and fully embrace its role as a catalyst for positive  societal transformation.  

He said the State Government valued the important partnership with the Sabah Law  Society, among them was the setting up of the Borneo International Centre for Arbitration  and Mediation (BICAM), launched in July this year. 

"We take pride in supporting and providing the initial funding of this significant milestone  in our journey towards excellence in professional services and the promotion of  alternative dispute resolution (ADR) not only in the Borneo region but also the broader  Nusantara and BIMP-EAGA regions," he said. 

Hajiji said the State Government also appreciated the Sabah Law Society's invaluable  contributions in shaping laws that impact Sabah.  

"Your active involvement in stakeholder consultations is instrumental in ensuring that  our legal framework aligns with the aspirations and needs of our state.  

"We also recognise the pivotal role played by the Sabah Law Society in promoting  Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through legal visits to other countries. Your efforts in  establishing connections and fostering international partnerships are vital in attracting  investments that drive economic growth and create opportunities for our people.  

"Indeed, your efforts complement the State Government's push to attract investors to  Sabah," he said. 

The Chief Minister was also pleased to learn of the SLS' continued plans to host  international law conferences in Sabah. 

International law conferences will also attract legal luminaries, scholars, and experts  from around the world, he said, adding that they will serve as platforms for the  development of the state's human capital in addition to offering local legal practitioners  and scholars the opportunities to engage with global thought leaders, gain insights into  cutting-edge legal practices, and expand their horizons.  

"We note the pivotal role the Sabah Law Society has played in hosting international law  conferences, such as the SLS/LAWASIA Employment Law Conference this year as well  as the upcoming SLS/Commonwealth Law Association Borneo Rainforest Law  Conference to be held in February next year.  

"Together, we can put Sabah on the map as a premier destination for legal discourse,  enrich our human capital, and further strengthen our position as a region of growth and  opportunity," he said. 

Ends