CLP most difficult? Reforms on the way

Deputy minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran debunked the notion that the Certificate in Legal Practice examinations are the most difficult in the world.

“There is an increase in the percentage of candidate passing from 16.4% in 2022 to 46% in 2023,” he said during the oral question session in response to Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri).

Tan had questioned the possible reforms that would be done to the CLP examinations. He also said that it is the toughest examination in the world.

“At present the evaluation is based 100% on written examination. It can be changed to one that has practical and technical evaluation. Having a common bar examination (CBE) is more comprehensive.

“The Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) has agreed to have CBE and CBC,” he said in reference to a common bar course.

In his supplementary question, Tan questioned whether there would be a timeline to complete the study of CBE.

“What about short term reforms?”

Responding to this, Kulasegaran admitted that LPQB did not furnish him with a timeline.

“There are no timeline given by LPQB but I agree that it is important to have a timeline. The related study should be resolved in six months.”

“The CBC and CBE are long term reforms. The LPQB on June 14 said reviews of scripts would be considered based on appeal. The reviews would be done by external examiners.”

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