KUALA LUMPUR: If it is sinful for lawyers to receive payments from those who had committed a crime, then there would be no Malay Muslim lawyers in the country, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (pic).

       Wan Junaidi was referring to remarks made by Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin, who recently said Islam forbade Muslim lawyers from protecting wrongdoers or sinners, and it was sinful to accept service payment from offenders.

       Wan Junaidi said a clarification on the matter should be given by Malaysian Bar, as it was the regulating body for the lawyer profession in Malaysia.

       "Lawyers have to pay salaries (to their workers) too. So, I’m asking the Malaysian Bar to make a decision, otherwise all Malay Muslims cannot serve as lawyers," he said.

       Wan Junaidi was speaking to reporters during press conference after a ministerial breaking fast event at the Berjaya Times Square hotel on Wednesday (April 20).

       "Imagine this, if I lose my case and I’m not allowed to collect fees because it’s illegal. No on would want to be a lawyer," added the Santubong MP.

       Wan Junaidi also said according to the rule of law, an individual was considered innocent until proven guilty.

       "Only the courts can decide who is guilty or not," said Wan Junaidi, adding that lawyers have no power to decide if an individual is guilty or not.

       On Tuesday (April 19), Asri said lawyers must evaluate the kind of cases they choose to defend in court.

       "Allah will never forget about those who are cruel. Therefore, be cautious in each case you take and defend, so you won’t offend others," said Asri on Tuesday (April 19).