What’s Next for the Articled Clerkship Pathway?

What’s Next for the Articled Clerkship Pathway?
 
In Parliament today, I responded to a question from the Member of Parliament for Sungai Siput on the specific timeline for the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB) to restart the articled clerkship pathway, which form a large part of the LPQB’s statutory functions under the Legal Profession Act 1976.
 
First, on behalf of the Government, I explained that the MADANI Government takes a firm position that any statutory function conferred by Parliament under an existing law must continue to be carried out in accordance with that law, unless and until the law is amended. This includes the statutory functions of the LPQB relating to the articled clerkship pathway and training under section 5 of the Legal Profession Act 1976.
 
I then conveyed the position of the LPQB. The LPQB has informed the Government that applications to undergo articled clerkship cannot be implemented immediately as further study is required on the structure of the articled clerkship pathway.
 
In this regard, the LPQB has undertaken a series of engagements. On 20 November 2025, it held an engagement session with the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department. This was followed by separate engagement sessions on 28 November 2025 with public and private institutions of higher learning to obtain their views on the articled clerkship pathway.
 
Subsequently, on 15 December 2025, the LPQB agreed in principle to establish a Task Force to study improvements to the pathway and develop an appropriate curriculum, pedagogy and programme standards. This is to ensure that the articled clerkship pathway meets the current standards and quality of legal education expected by the legal profession. The Task Force will comprise experts from public and private higher education institutions, as well as representatives from the Malaysian Bar.
 
At present, the LPQB is preparing a proposal paper for the establishment of this Task Force, including its terms of reference, deliverables, and costs. I have been informed that the proposed duration of the Task Force’s study is eight months, subject to the consideration and approval of the LPQB. The proposal paper is expected to be tabled at the LPQB meeting scheduled for this month, February 2026.
 
Laws passed by Parliament are meant to guide and govern the proper functioning of our institutions. The MADANI Government remains committed to ensuring that these laws are respected and implemented. I am confident that the LPQB, as the statutory body responsible for setting qualifications and standards for entry into the legal profession, will act in accordance with the law and work constructively with all stakeholders.