Circular No 098/2011
Dated 10 May 2011
 

To all Members of the Malaysian Bar
 
Use of Audio Conferencing for Case Management
 
We refer to Circular No 216/2010 dated 24 Aug 2010, where Members of the Bar were informed of the implementation of the teleconferencing (audio) system.
 
Audio conferencing has been employed by the High Courts and the Court of Appeal for some time now in respect of the first date for case management of certain matters.  Members of the Bar would receive notices from courts offering them the option of conducting their matters by way of audio conferencing.
 
Audio conferencing dispenses with the physical attendance of counsel at the case management.  The case management is instead conducted over the telephone in the mode of a conference call where all parties and the registrar are on the line at the same time.
 
The Kuala Lumpur Bar Committee has previously issued a circular to members to highlight the procedure for audio conferencing in some courts in Kuala Lumpur.  Click here to read the notice entitled 'Audio Conferencing Procedure in the Kuala Lumpur Court'.
 
Audio conferencing is not mandatory and requires the consent of both parties.  A call will be made to the telephone number designated by counsel at the designated time for the said case management.
 
In theory, the use of audio conferencing is a good move forward and would reduce or eliminate travelling and waiting time in court, especially for outstation lawyers.  A lawyer from Penang, for example, would not need to physically attend court in Putrajaya for case management in respect of a Court of Appeal matter.
 
Members of the Bar are therefore strongly urged to consider taking advantage of the use of the audio conferencing facilities provided by the court if and when notices are issued by the courts in this regard.  If Members of the Bar have experienced or encountered any problems or issues regarding the audio conferencing system, kindly submit your input by email to brendan@klbar.org.my or council@malaysianbar.org.my.
 
Thank you.
 

Brendan Navin Siva
Chairperson
Court Liaision Committee